I wrote this poem in mid November this year, then my e-mail inbox started to fill with ‘Pre-Black Friday’ offers, then ‘Black Friday’ offers,
followed later by ‘Post Black Friday’ offers, and now I am seeing ‘Black Friday repeat offers’! Reality has overtaken imagination.
Due to the delirium of Brexit and Triumph of Trump
it has been decided — by neo-liberal decree,
to extend the ecstatic frenzy of ‘Black Friday’
to the nihilistic nirvana of ‘Black December’.
But ‘Black’ will now re-energise as ‘Smoking’
as in HOT and GUN,
to target the receptive participants.
So ‘Smoking December’ is about to engulf you,
those of you able to fan the flames of credit.
Don’t delay, Christmas started in October,
in America already the Klan are singing,
listen, can’t you hear them keening —
“I’m dreaming of a White Supremacy”.
Whilst here at home, the gift of choice
is Empire Cake, to eat and have forever.
Take the new approach to Christmas lunch
make no plans , somewhere, someone will feed us.
Don’t forget to lie about the value of your gifts
who will miss truth in an avalanche of lies.
Ignore anyone who chokes on the smoke
only the healthy can enjoy commercial luxury
This is YOUR time, you have its measure.
Thrust aside all seasonal supplicants
and don’t let poverty cool your ardour —
pleasure yourself — in ‘Smoking December’
