ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

The Hole in the Thumb of My Mitten

The hole in the thumb of my mitten
Is evidence precious and dear
Of the hard work and pain
Through the snow, sleet and rain
I have suffered through many a year.

The hole in the thumb of my mitten
Is a legacy, plain as the day,
Of my travels on skis,
Though the stiff alpine breeze
Has threatened to blow me away.

The hole in the thumb of my mitten
Is something you cannot ignore.
There is no dispute.
My mitten is beaut,
Except for this one little flaw.

The hole in the thumb of my mitten
Arrived as my hand gripped the stock.
Regrets I have none.
The deed has been done,
And there’s no way to turn back the clock.

The hole in the thumb of my mitten
Is only a hole in the thumb.
My fingers stay warm,
For my mitts have good form.
It’s only the thumb that goes numb!

© Stephen Whiteside 06.07.2018

Ah, Stephen, the tragic tales always get me fair in the solar plexus!

I couldn't resist penning a reply ...

Darn the Thumb Hole in Your Mitten
(c) Shelley Hansen 7/7/18

Darn the thumb hole in your mitten!
Darn it red, or white, or blue ...
'cos a thumb hole in your mitten
surely can't be good for you.

For a thumb hole in your mitten
makes your digit grow quite numb ...
and it's hardly very fittin'
gettin' chilblains on your thumb!

You'll be nervous as a kitten
and your health will take a dive ...
with a thumb hole in your mitten
it's impossible to thrive.

But the cost might leave you spittin'
with the price of wool today.
Better buy a brand new mitten ...
chuck the holey one away!

These ARE my brand new mittens -
I've another hole as well.
I get to choose -
Each way I lose -
When facing blizzard hell.

Don't worry, though - I've sussed it.
When facing murky weather
At the snow,
My digits glow
In mittens made of leather!

(Actually, I think they are some sort of synthetic material.)

By the way, Shelley, congratulations on being Runner Up in the Bronze Swagman this year. Great achievement!

Thanks so much for the congratulations Stephen - yes, it was a surprise and a thrill. I'm just about to post the full results on the Forum.

Cheers
Shelley