Poems (Bell)/A Christmas Story

by Clara L. Bell

A CHRISTMAS STORY.
Recitation.

Somehow, it does'nt seemLike Christmas this year, wife:I suppose it is because we missSo much the little lifeEntrusted to our care;Ah me! Was ever gemMore dearly prized, more rare?She went away: now let me see,'Tis ten long years todaySince death's cold handBroke our home band,Took Marjorie away.Do you remember, wife, the yearShe searched the woods all overFor evergreen and holly bright,Our homely walls to cover?She draped the walls and pictures, tooWith mistletoe and pineIn memory of Him who was bornAmong the lowly kine.

****

We're sitting here alone, dear wife,Our boy has gone away;We never thoughtOur cherished sonWould ever go astray.Somehow, I never thoughtHow it could be that our JoeWould forge a check,Would cause us suchDeep and bitter sorrow.Ah well! Mayhap that some dayThe clouds will a silver lining show,And in the bright hereafterWe shall the real truth know.Hark! Wife, I think I hear a stepAnd 'tis a step we know!O can it be—it surely is—It really is our Joe! A lady with him (stranger, too).Also a little childWith golden hair(As Marjorie's was)With eyes as blue and mild!

****

"I never, father, would come backUntil I knew—was sure—That you knew, as I knew,That I was ever pure.The thief, in dying, confessed his guiltAnd cleared for aye my name,Thank God no guilt has ever tarnishedOr shall mar our fair name;And she, who, in my time of need.Stood ever by my side,I bring to you, my wife,And little Marjorie, our pride!"

****

How happy the old homeOn the eve of Christmas day,All trouble now is o'er,The clouds have rolled away:The firelight throws its shadowsOn a happy group I "ken"As the Christmas bells are chiming"On earth, peace, good will towards men."