Christmas Eve in Orroroo (first draft)

For Annie

I’m in love with a princess

In a faraway land

I imagine her home

And the places she’ll see

And hope that she smiles

If she’s thinking of me

This month it is Christmas

And the trees in her park

Are covered in snow

While here in the outback

A summer Christmas we know

And we have a tree in the corner

Trimmed with tinsel too

Carols come from all corners tonight

Children waiting for Santa

Will keep their eyes closed tight

I close my eyes and see in my mind

Stockings hang from a mantel

Above a fire in the grate

And for Santa too, they wait

Her cousins out here in the bush

Take their places in the Christmas parade

There’s clowns with coloured barrows to push

A tradition we keep where memories are made

Floats decorated in green red and blue

And Annie I hope it’s a sight

My words bring to you

Outside the shops they still pipe

Those old Christmas songs

And the floats might be corny

But the spirits still here

A street full of faces spreading good cheer

And right down the back

At the end of the parade

In a little green car

Santa arrives, always the star.

Old eyes become misty

When we remember the days

When we were once young

In this street where we played

Now cousin Geoff drives the car

And he does his best

Now Uncle Murray has gone to his rest.

So now my princess from over the sea

I hope you have a Christmas as merry can be

For I’m in love with you, Princess

In your faraway land

I imagine you home

And the places you see

And hope that you smile

When you’re thinking of me