Harvest Festival or Christmas is Coming

“We plough the fields and scatter...”

The choir processes down the aisle
Resplendent in robes of blue.
The Minister nods and smiles to all
and welcomes the faithful few.

“All good things around us….”

The devoted kneel with heads bowed down
For blessings so ordained
“We thank thee Father”, says the priest,
“For bounteous gifts obtained.”

“Are sent from heaven above….”

Silos full of corn so ripe
and fruit now picked and stored.
All things Tesco-bright and cheerful
all things from our Lord.

“All things bright and beautiful….”

“Hallow e’en will soon be here
then fireworks in the Park.”
Bernie on the Market bench
Shiv’ring in the dark.

“The cold in the winter.”

“Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord…..”
They sing with grateful voice.
The tramp in the shop-door begging for a coin,
Muffled and frozen, but has no choice.

 “The pleasant summer sun.”

In England’s green and pleasant land -
At home so cosy and so snug.
The jobless, poor and those in debt
at our hearts now vainly tug?

“The ripe fruits in the garden
He made them every one.”

Asda Christmas, close to hand,
when Santa gives us treats.
The alcoholic and drug-addicted -
homeless on our streets.

“And hunger drives our neighbours from their homes.”

Summer sun and autumn rains
Riches he sends for us, no doubt
Babies starve in war-struck Mali -
Victims now of plague and drought.

“Power growing fat upon the starving bones.”

“Go forth in peace to love and serve….”
the Minister tells the faithful few.
Syrian orphans bereft, alone
Confused by death anew

“He gave us eyes to see them….”

“Join us now,” the Minister says,
“Fairtrade coffee in the hall.”
In shanty streets the children play -
Through foetid waste they crawl.

“…and lips that we might tell…”

“The rich man in his castle,
the poor man at his gate”
Christmas is coming, Oh Magic and Sparkle!
Enjoy the pudding on your plate.

“All things bright and beautiful
The Lord God made them all.”

BPF
3 December 2013



Notes:
This poem was written to contrast the comfortable satisfaction with middle-class life in England (especially politicians) many of whom are out of touch with real life, even close to hand in our towns and cities.
Verse headings are taken from the hymn We Plough the Fields and Scatter by Matthias Claudius, the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful written by William Henry Monk.
The phrase ‘Magic and Sparkle’ – is a play on the title ‘Marks and Spencer’s (colloquially ‘Marks and Sparks’) from their Christmas TV advertisement.