A Czech Christmas Carol

(no new blog until Monday.  no internet at the chata)

The tree is up in Old Town Square

the lights are nice and bright 

Old Town Square at Christmas Time

there’s boiled wine to warm the blood

through chilly winter nights

Rosy cheeks are glowing

with the season’s effervescence

as young and old both contemplate

the coming of the presents

Joyous music fills the air

with lovely Christmas song

and the checkout line at Tesco

is a half an hour long

Yes, Christmas time is coming

everybody’s baking sweets

but there’s still something missing

it isn’t quite complete

Soon the basins will appear

on every city street

with frigid, running water

that turns to ice beneath your feet

and fat men wearing waders

will fulfill your Christmas wish

and slam a mallet on the head

of an unsuspecting fish

Oh, the blood is running through the streets

the knives are long and sharp

It is the time for peace on earth

and the killing of the carp

You can keep your ham and turkey

your Santa and his sleigh

because for me it isn’t Christmas

without carp on Christmas day