National Hugging Day 2023

I bet you didn’t know, although they say its commonplace
That today’s the day to join in a warm embrace
Because today has been tagged as National Hugging Day
And close bodily encounters can come into play

What is a hug? Other than an overt expression
While all antagonism is put under suppression
Facial close encounters with arms wrapped around each other
Although the parties my not notice that sometimes they might shudder!

They say a hug is a form of endearment
The parties to the hugging suffer no impairment
The close bodily contact and the warmth of the embrace
May not always be reflected in grimace on their face

In latter years hugging has gone international
The British in earlier times may have considered It irrational
But nowadays hugs are difficult to avoid
From international gatherings to domestic scenes employed

So on National Hugging Day let’s see no inhibition
Whether a new habit or part of long tradition
Friend and foe alike in each other’s limbs entwined
Those wide outstretched  arms must never be declined

Ken Fisher

Twixmas

What do you do during the week we call Twixmas
The seven twilight days following Christmas?
And as rowdy Scots may gear up for the revelry
Traditionally known to them all as Hogmanay

I suppose most use these hours to sleep it off
All that rich food and booze that they quaffed
Others take time to play with their toys
Not only the kids but grown-up boys

Perhaps the virtuous write thank-you notes
For gifts received which fulfilled their hopes
Others might try to remember who gave them what
From Aunt Matilda – underpants? Who would have thought?

Then there are all those gift vouchers or Amazon codes
If you’re into high tech you might have got loads
Like on a much coveted cake these are the cream
But I wish you success as you try to redeem

Perhaps in Twixmas we might visit some friends
To bring seasonal greetings, but try not to offend
For the coming year, to wish them all the best
But you must first of all take a Lateral Flow Test

Some might decide they want to get active
That new sporting kit they think makes them attractive
But there are even more who prefer indoors instead
Tucked cosily together neath the new duvet in bed!

So in Twixmas it’s for each one to decide
And whatever it is you are not surely obliged
To listen to others telling what you should do
Lazy or active it’s all down to you!

Ken Fisher