Dad and I agreed to not buy each anything for Christmas this year (various reasons and we’ll still have an ace time), but set a challenge instead of giving something on Christmas Day that cost nothing.

Stupid idea in hindsight, but I settled on a (crap) poem and after writing it, thought I’d share it here, just in case it resonates fondly in any way with folk (and know we all love an ‘awesum Dad’ thread.)

What to buy Dad at this time of year?
Some socks, some chutneys, or like Homer, some beer?

It’s tricky for him, to shop for me too
A plant pot, a ceiling, a window or two?

So we decided between us to spend not a penny
A choice not that smart, as the options aren’t many!

So I’ve written these words, which are technically free
And unlike something bought, they’re really from me:

Thank you for everything, from cradle to now
My home, my schooling, my mistakes you allow

The toys that you made me, the values you taught
Playing cricket back home, your unending support

My hero to look up to, my very own star
Not that you want that it, it’s just who you are

But I best wind this up as I might shed a tear,
Though I do need a shed, if you’re stuck for next year.

Lovely.

I’ll chuck a couple of verses in if I may……

I broke that window in seventy eight,
larking around with a ball and a mate

I did something stupid, I really was thick.
Still, no need to smack me you evil old d…addy. 😉

You ignored the tissues under my bed
‘covered in goodness know what’ you said

you laughed when my underpants were coloured all brown
and washed them willingly with.out a frown.