A Thousand Piece Jigsaw in a Hundred Shades of Green

It was Peninsula Toastmasters Christmas meeting
And after best wishes and greeting and seating,
Lynne set the rules for the Christmas tree
Where gifts were all wrapped so we couldn't see.

'When your number is called, you choose from the pile
Or steal someone's gift, with a wave and a smile.
Unwrap it and show it and take it along
But don't get attached as it soon might be gone

Kris chose a box that was large, neat and square
Knowing for sure it was choccies in there
Then on his face disappointment was seen -
A thousand piece jigsaw in all shades of green

But more were to come and someone might like it
Surely someone tonight would reach out and swipe it.
He stood it upright so it could clearly be seen -
A thousand piece jigsaw in all shades of green.

The selections were moving along at fast paces
And expressions of envy were seen on some faces.
Some gifts moved around with remarkable speed
As people saw things they'd want or might need.

I stole the parcel that Doug cheerfully took -
An 18 inch tall, brightly painted old chook.
But Jacqui kept it firmly set in her sights
And at her turn, it became hers by rights.

A gingerbread house with a light on inside
Was another great gift that everyone eyed.
It was just the thing to sit up on a shelf
And Jan soon snaffled it up for herself.

Shortbread bikkies and chocolates and wine
Ornaments and nick-knacks and a NO WAY sign.
But nobody (not even Kris) was too keen
On a thousand piece jigsaw in all shades of green.

Now under the tree was just a bottle of red
Would Lynne take it or steal something instead?
Of all the presents she wavered between
She took Kris' jigsaw in all shades of green.

Then all went off home with a gift of some kind
Leaving the fun of the meeting behind.
But the spirit of friendship for me was seen
In that thousand piece jigsaw in all shades of green.