school for the poor

Under achieving city school

Improve writing had been the rule

To give a spurt to literacy need

A post box to Santa for him to read

.

Letter of wishes children should write

For delivery on Christmas night

When the school broke up for the winter break

Teachers read and their hearts did ache

.

Few letters either girls or boys

Requesting an increase of the latest toys

In shambling words no more than a scrawl

Pleas from the heart they read them all

.

Stop our visit to auntie’s home

And don’t leave us with uncle alone

Round the bedroom we have to linger

Exposed to his probing wondering fingers

.

Please help mummy I’m not quite sure

If for her drinking there is a cure

When sober she is always tired grumpy

When she’s drunk she’s angry and thumpy

.

Please find a cure for ME

When we get home I have to make tea

Mummy is tired still lying in bed

Crying and wishing that she was dead

.

Please help dad his kidney is failing

Mum’s overworked and constantly wailing

A transplant is needed but there isn’t one free

Why can’t they take one from mummy or me

.

Please find a job for my mum or dad

They’ve spent all the money they once had

They don’t go out and nobody calls

Crying and arguments heard through the walls

.

The contacted community to their surprise

Filled tables of presents, cakes and mince pies

Filling the school with presents galore

Sharing their Christmas in the school of the poor