I have a friend who wakes up acerbic and doesn’t achieve a moderately even outlook on life until he’s had his morning shot; there are many who feel this way …
COME MORNING
there’s mustard in his voice 
pepper on his tongue
allspice in an attitude
he wears crusted with age
spread over arthritis and gout
when his aches and grumbles
have absorbed the healing powers
of garlic toast he melts
into sunlight and conversation
and simmers through a tall dark coffee
To Bethlehem: ‘This little book is delightful, full of … poems on this timeless subject. … the most fun is the little prose vignettes of the common people in the Christ-child story. The slave who looks after the wise men’s camels, or the overworked maid at the inn who has to fetch water for the birth, and many more. A lovely gift for the reader on your Christmas list!’ Rosalind Adams. Available from Amazon and Kindle.
1960willowtree 