'Twas the Second Day before Christmas

Souster, Raymond (1921 - 2012)

Original Text

Collected Poems of Raymond Souster, Vol. 6: 1984-86 (Ottawa: Oberon Press, 1988): 225. PS 8537 O87A17 Robarts Library

1While they last all manger accessories

2marked drastically down --

3wise men, three for ten dollars;

4with gold, frankincense and myrrh, twenty-five;

5frankincense, myrrh only, thirteen-fifty;

6angels, your choice, two dollars each;

7Joseph and Mary, each nine ninety-nine;

8the Christ Child with swaddling clothes, twenty dollars,

9without, fourteen even; and, oh yes,

10assorted shepherds, four bucks each;

11picturesque manger with straw, wooden cradle,

12twelve seventy-five.

13End of sale.

14No returns or exchanges.

Publication Start Year

1986

Publication Notes

It Takes All Kinds (1986)

RPO poem Editors

Ian Lancashire

RPO Edition

2006

Special Copyright