We Say – Ode for our times

Ode for our times

’Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through the land
not a creature was stirring
Unless they’d been scanned.

The masks were all hung
by the chimney with care
Next to the soap dish,
sanitiser dispenser and beer

The people were nestled
all snug in their beds
While visions of traffic lights
danced in their heads

Then out on the lawn
there arose such a clatter
They sprang from their beds
“What could be the matter?”

With wonder in their eyes
it was a sight to behold
Ashley arrived on his bicycle
with a halo of gold

Then came into the picture
the purpled-haired Siouxsie
fresh from the beach,
or was it the jacuzzi?

‘Spread your legs’ Hipkins
smiled sweetly to the crowd
And Lockdown Jacinda said
the occasion made her feel proud.

With a twinkle in her eye
and a spring in her step
She untied her red sack
and began to unpack.

There were wage subsidies galore
Resurgence payments for all
Rental holidays for some
And tax breaks on call

“Away with you Omicron
away with you Delta
We Kiwis want summer
To sit by the beach and to swelter”

But over in the shadows
All covered in snow
Was Christopher Luxon
Not quite feeling the glow.

He stamped and he shouted
and talked about debt
But the people were too dazzled
by the presents they’d get

When the media departed
and the lights were brought down
The roadshow knew
it was time to leave town.

With a whoop and a holler
And the ringing of bells
Our little troupe of performers
Said their farewells

But they were heard to exclaim
as they went on their way
“Booster shots for all,
And have a good day!”

With sincere apologies to
Clement Clarke Moore