Huttonian is sneaking in an extra post as there will not be much oppurtunity to blog from the Hielands given the other distractions and a very slow dial up speed. Something appropriately seasonal asks a bloggee. Seasonal, no problem; appropriate? You judge. I turn to an anthology of Verse published a few years ago containing poetry by British Diplomats and their families:
'Time to Kill Sparrows' A former Ambassador to Jordan produced the following ditty which is about as appropriate as you can get given what is still happening in the 'Holy Land'
CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM
From the East the star arrived
Dead on time. As predicted.
More than can be said for the Three Wise Men.
One: ten days late.
(He had been following the wrong star.)
The other two had inadequate
documentation and were held up at the bridge.
Flowing robes arousing suspicion.
gifts confiscated. Myrrh an illegal substance,
frankincense past its sell-by date,
and the rest thought to be probably stolen.
When they did arrive the star had long since left:
for Mecca, on another mission. There was no room
in any manger and all the cheaper inns were full.
Moreover no trace of their reservation at the King David Hotel.
Attempts to see the baby unsuccessful.
He could not be disturbed; his Press
Officer unavailable for comment.
Nor would Mary see them. “Security reasons” they were told.
(Apparently there had been threats)
The authorities were taking no chances.
So fed up and frustrated they took the first caravan home.
“Christmas in Bethlehem is much overrated”
they told their friends.
Anyone interested in reading how this slim volume was received by the critics might like to look at the New Stateman Review at http://www.dynomind.com/p/articles/mi_m0FQP/is_4439_128/ai_55166534#continue
Go on, indulge yourselves.
