Mummy, can I pack a shoebox for the soldiers?’
‘No dear, I’m afraid you can’t’
‘Who says?’
‘The MOD says’.
‘Mummy, what about sweets
Can I send sweets to the soldiers?’
‘No sweetheart you cannot’
‘Who says?’
‘The MOD says’
‘Mummy can I send a card, a card
To the soldiers to say I care?’
‘Darling a card you cannot send’
‘Who says?’
‘The MOD says’
‘Just one mince pie then, like the one
I leave for Daddy – I mean Santa’
‘Not even that my angel, not even that,
The MOD said.’

‘Now no more questions, it’s time for your bed.
I’ve presents to wrap myself tonight.’

Brushed off, unhappy and not understanding
the girl tucked her slippers under the bed.
From the bookshelf she selected a Christmas Carol
and under the covers, by the light of the torch
she read it from cover to cover.
Now she understood.
But it was all Bah Humbug to her.