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This poem is taken from PN Review 115, Volume 23 Number 5, May - June 1997.

Three Poems Andrew Waterman


A Monody for Christmas

1

Tonight we turn the clocks back: Summer Time,
Sickly for weeks and gagging rain, expires,
Its bare-limbed barbecue-browsing paradigm
Of bliss shut off as we close blinds, light fires.
As dusks scythe in on us like Poe's pendulum
  Our unappeased desires
Turn towards gift-wrapped pandemonium
Whelming an antique voice: And has Christ come?

For some the answer rings clear of all doubt.
Among the tat and tinsel celebration,
Shopping-and-pub glissade, flings, faIlings-out,
Till gorged from Christmas dinner half the nation
Snores slumped before a TV show or quiz,
  Some find fresh confirmation
...


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