Poems (White)/Newsboys

by Jeannie Copes White

NEWSBOYS

O little newsboy, with your sad, wan face,
Those ragged clothes, and dirt, and jaunty grace,—
You hop on car and you hop off again,
So swift and supple your agile, slight frame;
Your eyes, poor eyes, so wise, so sad with fears,
So brilliant, caused by fighting back your tears;
A look defiant, now pensive and sad,
You're wishing for all that other boy had.
At night when's time to creep to bed, do you say
Your prayers to the Father in that boy's way?
Does mother so snugly tuck you into bed,
And kiss you and love you when prayers are said?
Does father come near, and bend o'er with joy,
So proud he has such a fine little boy?

Ah! little newsboy, your battle and strife
Came o'er you so soon, depriving your life
Of all that is blessed and dear to this earth,
A home and dear parents that love you from birth.

Speak to him, will you, on car or on street,
A smile or a word as you happen to meet?
'Twill help him a bit, this kindness to show;
His life is so barren and rough, you know.