Christmas is really for the children.
Especially for children who like animals, stables,
stars and babies wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Then there are wise men, kings in fine robes,
humble shepherds and a hint of rich perfume.

Easter is not really for the children
unless accompanied by a cream filled egg.
It has whips, blood, nails, a spear
and allegations of body snatching.
It involves politics, God and the sins of the world.
It is not good for people of a nervous disposition.
They would do better to think on rabbits, chickens
and the first snowdrop of spring.
Or they'd do better to wait for a re-run of Christmas
without asking too many questions
about what Jesus did when he grew up
or whether there's any connection.

Steve Turner

Reproduced by permission of Hodder and Stoughton Limited