a/n: prompt from Poseidon - God of the Seas :- Holmes isn't impressed by the idea of Christmas. Can Watson convince him?-
Holmes and companions do not belong to me.
(By the way, I would recommend reading an excellent variation on the Dickens theme, posted last Christmas by Stutley Constable- "a Holmsian Carol"-)
Humbug
"I cannot abide, my dear Watson,
This time filled with fir trees and fuss.
I don't see why mistletoe, baubles and holly
Should have such an impact on us."
~0
"Dear Holmes, please remember," the doctor replied,
"It is one of my favorite seasons.
You value deduction and logical thought;
So, pray, tell me what are your reasons?"
~0~
"Well, presents, to start with, dear Watson;
A tradition defying good sense.
It is much more efficient to buy for yourself,
And save all that extra expense."
~0
"But Holmes, please consider", the doctor replied,
"A more generous purpose for living:
A person, content to think only of self,
Misses out on the great joy of giving."
~0~
"Next; carolers, Watson, I think you'll agree,
Are a tuneless and noisy creation.
The sound you might hear if you strangled a cat
Evokes the exact same sensation."
~0
"Dear Holmes, we should visit," the doctor replied,
"St Paul's; Christmas Eve; late at night.
If anything's going to alter your view;
That choir, and their music, just might."
~o~
"Christmas cards bother me, Watson,
With sickly sweet poems and prose:
I'd be grateful to get to the end of the year,
Without reading any of those."
~0
"Dear Holmes, you've forgotten," the doctor replied;
"There are many who live quite alone.
Would you really deny them a note of good cheer,
Which suggests that they're not on their own?"
~o~
"The clutter and trinkets, dear Watson,
The garlands and wreaths all around.
You know how I like to have everything neat,
So that papers and notes can be found."
~0
"Absolute nonsense!" the doctor replied.
"You were very untidy before.
You cannot blame Christmas for debris and mess
And the papers you've piled on the floor!"
~o~
The holidays, Watson, in general;
When routine and habit are lost.
Can often delay my response to a case,
And valuable time can be lost.
~0
"Are you actually saying," the doctor replied,
"That people should work every day?
I think you should read Mr. Dickens fine work;
You will find he has something to say."
~o~
"And finally, Watson, that angel,
You placed on the top of our tree.
I'm aware of the story behind it, but clearly
It means more to you than to me."
~0
"Think again, my dear fellow," the doctor replied.
We differ in outlook, that's true;
But the Christmastide message of peace, joy and hope
Can apply just as surely to you."
~o~
"You've argued quite well, my dear Watson,
I will study the matter some more.
It appears I should look a bit closer to learn
Precisely what Christmas is for."
~0
"That's as much as I'd hoped for," the doctor replied.
"I'm declaring a seasonal truce.
And I've noticed an aspect of which you approve;
How much have you had of that goose?"
~0~