Tag Archives: poetry by judith hall

A Christmas Engagement.

‘Twas the night before Christmas and there’s no one about not even a mouse

Or an eight-legged creepy to scare you out of the house,

Quietly though a figure creeps down the stairs leaving his loved one alone but asleep

He finds what he’s looking for high on a shelf, hidden behind the books three deep

It’s a little Santa ornament hinged in the centre, a small space to hide something

Gold and blue amethyst glint in the night, a beautiful engagement ring

Hidden in Santa and put back on the shelf ready for a surprise on Christmas Day

(258 words, estimated 1:02 mins reading time)

Bought for 50p in a jumble sale,

you look so nondescript,

small and square, dark brown, glazed.

Some might say you’re ugly too

but stamped on the underside

is your life story, a maritime heritage,

sold at Stoniers the housewares store

for the White Star Line.

Who poured your milk or water out?

Which ship were you on?

What sea tales do you have to tell?

Did you sail from Liverpool or another Celtic port?

A humble little jug, utility ware,

staring at me from the bookshelf,

(112 words, estimated 27 secs reading time)