While Shepherds Washed

While Shepherds Washed

While shepherds washed their socks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The Angel of the Lord came down,
And passed the soap around. 

“Fear not”, said he, for mighty suds,

Had filled their washing sink.

“Persil washes whitest of all

And does not leave a stink”.

“To you, in Devizes Town this day,

Is given a washing-line,

A tumble-drier, built by Bosch,

And this shall be the sign.”

“An extended warranty you shall get,

But in the smallest print,

All meanly wrapped in weasel words,

Until you’re nearly skint.”

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith

Appeared a shining throng

Of Comet salesmen on the make,

Who thus addressed their song:

“All discounts be to you the buyers,

Please accept your guarantee,

And if it should go wrong all too soon,

Please don’t you bother me.”

Copyright Andy Fawthrop 2019