Christmas… Look at all those presents, packed under the tree Two for Mum. One for Dad, and Thirty six for me.

Quick! Rip off that paper! Don’t give it a thought… You want to know just what it is that other people bought…

An X-box or a DS. An Apple ipod next. Does this new mobile phone do video as well as text? Almost one hour later You’re still unwrapping more. Ah, poor thing. You must be hungry. It really is a chore…

Dinner will revive you. And soon you’ll feel quite stuffed As down you guzzle four large courses (Through which you huffed and puffed). Didn’t we enjoy it. Did Dad like his tie? Did he just sneak another drink of whiskey on the sly?

There is one thing to ask yourself When you weigh up what was bought For others much less fortunate Perhaps deserve a thought. Like the person who walked ten hard miles Just to get a drink As you groaned at washing up (and that was in the sink).

Like the person in a war torn place Whose family is not together Or the person who is homeless Due to extreme, stormy weather Everyone has hopes and dreams for just what lies in store. But perhaps we need to think a little when we’re demanding more…

This poem’s main intention Wasn’t to sadden (or depress) But merely to point out that there Are problems to address… Christmas is a happy time To laugh, indulge and scoff. And perhaps a time to spare a moment’s thought For others less well off. M F Cowan (2008) For more see www.poemsforgeography.blogspot.com