Christmas for Chris

Tesco bright and so sincere Christmas shoppers full of cheer Bags of treats and things to eat Spirits to drink and crates of beer. Head bowed, I trudge along the street My face is whipped by wind and sleet. Through icy rain a tramp I spy A homeless beggar ‘pon a seat Homeward bound, passers-by, With bags so full, don’t question why He sits alone with bottle in hand, Unkempt and noisome – on drink is high. I raise my head, for a second I stand A moment now, and understand, As Carols ring out with Christmas joy From shops around, I feel so damned. Who’s aware of the birth of a boy? Is Christmas made for all to enjoy? Where is the love of Christ for all? This tinsel-time does nothing but cloy. Alone, so cold, under a shawl For him, no doubt, death’s bells will toll. No friend for him his life recall Tesco’s lights shine out for all. BPF 13 January 2014 This poem was occasioned by meeting with homeless Chris on a bench opposite Tesco’s in Beverley. The plot of the poem does not refer to Chris himself but reflects more the attitudes of society at large to an underclass of homeless and destitute and to the real meaning of Christmas.