Another year of everyday assaults
On all the virtues “aw shucks” calls to mind
Has left us ravenous for vintage schmaltz –
It’s Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra time!
Life often isn’t wonderful, we know,
And angels-get-their-wings theology
Is no less bogus than the movie snow
That pretties Bedford Falls.  But let that be.
Let homespun goodness take its lumps, then win.
Let go sophistication; swallow whole
Hollywood’s smorgasbord of saccharine
(Although tear-salted) junk food for the soul.
   Let a wonky newel post be iconic
   And winking heavenward be unironic.

- Chris O’Carroll