In Winter

In winter the nights draw in

Especially when we put the clocks back

We wait for Santa and his sack

And eagerly await whatever's in

It. Especially for us.

The countryside in blackness

Makes us think of lighting fires in the garden

After asking the neighbours' permission

And at work they don't allow any slackness.

A wild mongoose plays in the rain

A rabid dog runs after

The mongoose till they raise the rafters

Having a fight.

In winter it is very dark

Especially in the park

And by the river

We start to shiver

And when it rains or snows the local youths

Stop playing football in the street

And that is a blessed relief

To tell the truth.

Or it is at least from the point of view of residents

Whose patience

Is tested by the endless thud of the ball

And cries and oaths that fall

From the mouths of these babes and sucklings in torrents.

(You can't even hear the telly sometimes).