‘Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the nation,
Australians were preparing for a quiet vacation.
It’s been a year to remember, but we’d rather forget,
The tales of horror from a calamitous threat.
While brokers sat watching their stocks by night,
Investors moved faster than Rudolf in flight.
They didn’t dilly or dally or pause as they sold,
Shares tumbled far, unless they were gold.
Caused by market traders who some now despise,
The global crisis took most by surprise.
But like all sordid tales of excess and greed,
We love blaming others, it fulfils a need.
We’ve all learnt lessons, experience is the teacher,
Let’s hope we’re now wiser than a Sunday school preacher.
But don’t be surprised if it all happens again,
The next generation’s exuberance will be hard to contain.
Now Rudd, now Swan, now Turnbull and Hockey,
You’ve squabbled all year, fighting harder than Rocky.
When St Nick asks if you’ve been naughty or nice,
Tell him politicians aren’t made of sugar and spice.
Bailouts and bankruptcies, the future looks bad,
But Santa is coming, so don’t be too sad.
With tinsel and presents under the tree,
Please enjoy Christmas, even if it’s not debt free.
As I sign off for Christmas I thank each and every member,
It’s been a pleasure to serve you, right through to December.
May the joy of the season fill your home on Christmas Day,
As we smile and gently whisper “Merry Christmas” from Gateway.
FOOTNOTE: It’s been a tough year for many and we look forward to better times in 2010. On behalf of the Gateway team, I extend to you the compliments of the season. My first blog posting for 2010 will be on Monday 18 January.
Regards
Paul J. Thomas
Podcast is available here 