Jane Walker

Airedale at Christmas,. Panto version. Oh yes it is

Behold! On Christmas morning,  

with a strut both bold and hale,  

the hero of our story enters…  

It’s the Christmas Airedale!

 

(Oh yes it is!)

 

His beard is full of tinsel,  

his tail swishes left and right,  

he’s sniffed the tree for danger  

and declared it safe tonight.  

 

(Oh no he hasn’t!)  

OH YES HE HAS!

 

He prances round the presents  

like a star upon the stage,  

as if he’s signed a contract  

and negotiated centre page.  

 

He checks the kitchen turkey   

quality control, you see  

then gives a solemn Airedale nod:  

“Proceed. But save some… just for me.”

 

He guards the Christmas stockings  

with a noble, watchful stare,  

because villains love a stocking raid, 

he’s not having that, I swear.  

 

(Oh yes he is!)  

OH NO HE ISN’T!  

…Actually, he is. He’s very firm about it.

 

And when the day grows cosy,  

and the crackers all are pulled,  

our hero curls beside you  

with a heart completely full.  

 

For every panto needs a star,  

a legend, strong and true  

and Christmas shines much brighter  

with an Airedale beside you.