From Christmas 2013

Robin Ford, December 2013

We decided that this year (2013) we would give each other a ticket to Opera on the (Sydney) harbour – Madame Butterfly. We had been making Christmas presents for the grandchildren.

In the bleak midwinter, as the stories say
Baby in a stable, sleeping on the hay.
Nearby shepherds entered, came to say hello.
Did they bring some presents? We don’t know.
 
In the bleak midwinter, if the story’s right,
Three professors travelled, through the day and night.
Yes they did bring presents, as the story told.
Smelly oils and resins, and some gold.
 
In the heat of summer, Santa’s elves made boats,
And they sewed and ironed, capes and shepherd’s coats.
Finding their own presents takes a little while.
Each will give Puccini; harbour style.