A/N: Third response to Hades' challenge.

Prompt from Aleine Skyfire - The Irregulars go carolling.


Irregular Carols


Young Arthur, a small and determined Irregular,

Tugged on his mittens, and buttoned his coat;

His boots, though quite battered, still kept out the chill

And his scarf was wrapped carefully, hugging his throat.

Thus muffled and ready for wild winter weather

He hurried to join his young friends in the street;

This yearly traditional, vocal assignment,

A highlight for Arthur, a seasonal treat.

The snow settled gently on wool-covered shoulders,

The cobbles were slippery, starting to freeze;

They stumbled and tumbled, a cheerful assembly,

Well used to such inclement evenings as these.

~0~

Wiggins restored a slight semblance of order

And lined up his troops, nearly straight, two by two.

He yelled out addresses, and handed out lanterns,

And off they all went, knowing just what to do.

First stop, on the steps of an elegant building;

A ring on the doorbell, a quiet "one, two, three..."

"Oh Come all Ye Faithful", in loud joyful chorus,

Impressive, and almost harmoniously.

A pause while they checked if the householders heard them;

Then the offer to sing one more carol, their choice;

The hustle and haste of the city forgotten,

As a dozen small urchins sang out with one voice.

~0~

Caps doffed, season's greetings, a few coppers gathered,

Then on to the next with good heart and good cheer;

As "Jingle Bells" followed "Away in a Manger"

And shepherds saw angels and midnights were clear.

The snowfall lay deeper, and London fell silent,

As twelve weary carollers paid their last call,

And Arthur knocked loudly, announcing "Good Will"

To the best and most welcoming house of them all.

A trail of snow melting, wet garments discarded,

And stair carpet footprints showed where they would be;

Sat warm by a fire, with mince pies and hot chocolate;

At home in two hundred and twenty one B.

~0~