The headteacher looks tired
her hair could do with a brush
as she beseeches the parents
not to take pictures until the end
knowing full well they will.
Why have schools forsaken
the once mellow tones
of the plinky-plonk piano
for an electronic keyboard
that rattles like an old toffee tin.
The children file in
they’re excited and afraid
seeking out mums and dads
with surreptitious waves
wet-eyed grandmas sniff
Of course, we all cry
as the darlings recite
the comings and goings
of that Bethlehem night
but somehow we all manage
to ignore the homeless beggar
on the way out.
© Graham Sherwood 12/2018
grahamrichardsherwood.co.uk 