The year begins with shocking cold.
With long dark nights. The sun stays low.
The snow is deep, but in the home,
Soft laps, warm hearts and fires aglow.
*****
February’s time to celebrate,
And bake my birthday cake.
But Gail finds it hard to eat
My replica, such a mistake!
*****
In March a new experience,
A true test of my social skill.
A house party with fifteen guests,
For whom I finally sit still….
*****
So April is the cruellest month,
Old T.S. Eliot had it right.
How mean of Gail to leave me home,
And go with friends to France by bike!
*****
In May, in Britain, some were pleased
To cheer along our Wills and Kate.
Did you stay in and watch TV,
Or climb Munros to celebrate?
*****
The month of June, my chance to shine.
A village fete (Feis Alligin).
When I am jumping through the hoops
Those collies don’t get a look in!
*****
July and down to Nottingham
To visit Gail’s Mum and Dad.
We go by train, the passengers
Think I am such a bonny lad.
*****
Not everybody's quite so charmed.
In August Michael comes to stay.
I really did not mean to harm
Him but, bare legs? What can one say…?
*****
Month nine, it is my turn to show
My heartfelt patriotic zeal,
Go Scotland rugby team, go go!
Win the World Cup! Or not. Oh well.
*****
October comes. In Torridon,
I'm simply horrified to see,
The kayak, made by Florian
For Gail. BUT THERE'S NO SPACE FOR ME!
*****
Can you believe it? I cannot,
November saw this lovely chap,
Gail’s Dad, turn ninety, that’s a lot
Of years, (he often needs to nap).
*****
So here we are, year at an end,
It’s now the season of goodwill.
So bouncing love to all my friends
And may your lives be joyful still.
Merry Christmas to all my dear readers!
PS I'm off with Gail to Nottingham shortly and I will be concentrating all my efforts on trying to cheer up Human Grandad, as Gail tells me he has suddenly taken a turn for the worse. But never fear, I shall be back, and as ever with plenty to say, in the New Year!
