Pantomime comes late in our parish. We have just finished performing Aladdin, in which, of course, Aladdin and the genies rescued the world from financial crisis.

Like all the classic fairytales, Aladdin's story contains archetypes, such as the Wicked Uncle. Here is my ALADDIN sonnet. Look in the DOWNLOADS for more fairytale wisdom.

ALADDIN

Like Aladdin, roaming through caves of treasure,
Caverns studded with jewels, glittering with gems,
Reeling at riches, marvelling at wealth past measure,
Forgetting the wicked uncle and his stratagems,

We too explore riches beyond our dreams,
Treasure piled high, tottering, spilling over,
Wading through wealth. Diamonds and rubies in streams
Flash round our feet, gifts from the Almighty lover.

At our back, no wicked, wheedling uncle
Threatens to strip us of youth’s wealth and power.
A loving gaze, a steadying hand, the twinkle
Of doting eyes, lingering in this paradise bower

Tell us: This is you. Yourself is the treasure you find,
Grown into riches, loved harvest of heart and mind.