The Christmas Bus

I knew things would be different this year!

It was the nativity scene on the bus stop that did it.

They couldn't for the life of them get the donkey on the No 1 Bay Circle anti-clockwise.

"Has he got a Concessionary Pass?" the driver cried.

As a quiet woman in a blue burkha floated to the back of the bus.

Joseph fiddled with his change and placed his holy-spirit level in the baggage area.

"Exact money only it says. Look Pal, give unto Caesar what is Caesar's and give unto Cardiff Bus what is Cardiff Bus's".

The doors shut abruptly on three panting wise men, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist.

"This is a Christ-mass bus! Can't they read?"

Mother Mary is heavy with child and it will be touch and go whether they make it to the Heath in time.

"You might have to give birth in the C.R.I love!"

"The Royal Infirmary is a bit of a stable now but beggars can't be choosers eh!"

"I hope your waters don't break cos I've just tidied up the bus back at the depot".
"Herod will have my guts for garters if it comes back a mess again".

Aramaic, Polish, Hebrew and Welsh filled the night air with expectation.

"Crikey there's a crowd here to meet you."

"All right, take care now!"

Jostled, pushed and cursed, Joseph and Mary struggle through the shopping bags.

Jo is doubled over by a weapon marked 'Ann Summers' and Mary is recommended to get a new outfit by a well meaning but hideous personal shopper.

They take refuge in a grubby corner of a shop recess.

"Wasters! Druggies! Psychos!"

"Why don't they get a job Daddy just like you?"

Silent Night sung through a plastic toy microphone

"Big Issue Mate?"

Lights Dim 

Front Page of the Echo, Boxing Day Edition

BABY FOUND ABANDONED IN ST MARY'S STREET

Police to investigate.