Al's Christmas Tiding

When nights are long and days are cold

When Christmas trees sparkle and stories get told

When letters are written declaring a favourite wish

When they're placed on the mantlepiece and sealed with a kiss

When prayers are said and it's time for bed

When Santa dashes all around with his hat on his head

When he delivers the presents, sips sherry, eats mince pies

When Rudolph and his brothers share a carrot or two

When all these things are said and done

Merry Christmas Everyone!   

Mr Bee & Mr Nose

I say Mr Bee, you've just given me a terrible fright,

buzzing past my ear in the dead of the night.

Don't fret Mr Nose, like you I couldn't sleep,

Intoxicated by the fragrance of the flowers that you keep.

I'm delighted you love them, have you been here before?

Every day, Mr Nose, I live in a hive just above your blue front door.

I moved here from Brighton, though it's very colourful there,

full of bursting contemporaries, dilly-dallying in queer shaped squares.

From Brighton to the Isle of Man, that's an awfully long way,

how long did it take you, surely more than one day?

Oh no Mr Nose, I didn't fly here at all,

You chauffered me in your Toyota last summer, don't you recall?

Last summer, by jove!  you're right, I was there,

Along with my family, we picnicked on deckchairs and rode on the fair.

So tell me Mr Bee, how are you finding the Isle of Man's clean fresh air,

and are you glad you made the move, how does it compare?

Well, Mr Nose, I find the Isle of Man simply divine,

more straight-laced than Brighton, you know, which suits me just fine.

Chatting to strangers here is par for the course,

as is riding the steam train to go feed an old horse.

Dear Mr Bee, you really are a very intelligent chap,

and I'm so glad that we've had this getting-to-know-you-chat.

Though I think I'll go in, not long now till morning,

and if I don't get some sleep,  I'm sure to wither quickly tomorrow with endless yawning.

Before you take your leave Mr Nose,

will you allow me to come perch on your nose,

and share with you the sweet scent of this perfect pink rose.

Yes Mr Bee, if it pleases you to do so, then please, be my guest,

for I'm delighted to be able to grant such a simple request.

Shall I see you tomorrow Mr Bee,

and if so at what spot in the garden?

Well, I can't say for certain where I'll be Mr Nose,

though rest assured, I won't wander too far from this fragrant pink rose!

Well, goodnight dear friend, Mr Bee.

Goodnight to you, dear friend, Mr Nose.