My Virtual Reading Room

A Christmas Bit

If I were Santa Claus this year
I'd change his methods for the day;
I'd give to all the children here
But there are things I'd take away.

I'd enter every home to steal,
With giving I'd not be content,
I'd find the heart-aches men conceal
And take them with me when I went.

I'd rob the invalid of pain;
I'd steal the poor man's weight of care;
I'd take the prisoner's ball and chain
And every crime which sent him there.

I'd take the mother's fears away,
The doubts which often fret the wise--
And all should wake on Christmas Day
With happy hearts and shining eyes.

For old and young this is my prayer:
God bless us all this Christmas Day
And give us strength our tasks to bear,
And take our bitter griefs away!

(Edgar A. Guest)

(I'd posted this back in 2009, but I think it's worth reposting ;)