a selection of short stories and poetry

Writers' Groups is a new section of Get Writing which aims to showcase a selection of different works from a chosen writers' group on a monthly basis.This months featured writers group is The Waterside Theatre Writers' Group who have submitted a selection of short stories and poetry all with a common theme - 'Christmas'.

The Christmas Lout

by Myra Canning

Oh God, I’m on a diet

and Christmas time is near,

and how can I count calories

amidst the Christmas cheer?
Quality Street and Roses

brought by Auntie Pat

I’d just have one – or two – or three …

stopped counting after that.
There’s turkey and there’s stuffing;

there’s roasties and there’s veg;

there’s trifle, Christmas pud and cream

I’m living on the edge.
I’ve refused the Irish Coffee

‘cause the wine went to my head

and I’ve just undone me trousers

I’d be better off in bed.
I lay there just imagining

all the calories in that food

and tossed and turned and rolled around

and knew it was no good.
As for sleep – forget about it!

Me belly it cried out

for something else to fill the hole

I’d become the Christmas lout.
I nipped quickly to the kitchen

with its scrumptious tasty store,

and forgot all thoughts of diets

when I opened up the door.
I made a turkey sandwich,

had another glass of wine,

a dish of sherry trifle

topped with cream – the taste sublime!
It’s not right to try and diet

when Christmas time is here,

for who can count the calories

and be filled with Christmas cheer!

Myra Canning

Myra Canning

I was born in Derry where I have always lived, apart from short sojourns in warmer climes. I am writing a lifetime. I juggle it with all the other hats I wear. I have belonged to several writing groups. I have had work published and broadcast on radio.

source - BBC Get Writing N.I.