The Volcano lubricator. (Volcano, W. Va.) 1871-1879, 1873-12-23
Poetry.
Republished by Request.
TIE CHRISTMAS PRAYER.
A BEAUTIFUL POEM OF CHRISTMAS EVE.

A BEAUTIFUL POEM OF CHRISTMAS EVE.
Twas the eve before Christmas; "Good-
night had been said,
And Annie and Willie had crept into bed;
There were tears on their pillows, and tears in
their eyes,
And each little bosom was heaving with signs,
For tonight their stern fathers command had
been given
That they should retire. precisely at seven,
Instead of eight; for they troubled HIM more
With questions unhcard of, than ever before;
He had told them he thought the delusion SIM
No such person as Santa Claus ever had been,
And hoped after this he nevermorc should hear
How he scrambled down chimneys with pres
ents each year.
And this was the reason that two little heads
So restlcssly tossed on their soft, downy bed.
Eight, nine and the clock on the steeple tolled
ten;
Not a word had been spoken by either till then
When Willie's sad face from the blanket did
peep,
And whispered "Dear Annie, is you fast
asleep"
"Why no, brother Willie," sweet voice re-
plies,
"I've tried all in vain, but can't shut my eyes,
For somehow it makes me so sorry because
Dear papa has said there is no Santa Claus
Now we know there Is, and it can't be denied,
For he came every year before mamma died;
But then I've been thinking that she used to
pray,
And God would hear everything mamma
would say,
And perhaps she asked Him to send Santa
Claus here
With the sack full Of presents he bought every
year."
"Well, why tant we pay dest as mamma did
then,
And ask God to send him with presents aden?"
'I've been thinking SO, too" And without
word more
-Four little bare feet bounded out on the floor,
And four little knees the soft carpet pressed,
And two tiny hands were clasped close to each
breast.
"Now. Willie, You know we must firmly be-
licve
That the presents we nsk for were sure to re-
ceive.
You must wait Just as still till say the 'amcn,'
And by this you'll know that your turn has
come then.
Dear Jesus, look down on my brother and me.
And grant us the favor we're seeking of Thee.
want wax dolly, a tea-set and ring,
And an ebony worl-box that shuts with n
spring;
Bless papa, dear Jesus, and cause him to sec
That Santa Claus loves us far better than he;
Don't let him get frctful and angry again
At dear brother Willie and Annie, Amen"
"Please Desus, let Tanta Taus tum down to-
night,
And bling us some p'esents before ii is light
want he should dive me nice 'ttle s'ed,
With bright shinin' runners all painted ed;
A box full Of tandy, a book and toy,
Amen, and den Desus, III be dood boy"
Their prayers being ended they raised up their
heads,
Anu WIFI ne'lrtS ipHt anu NHSSiIui, "S""
sought their beds.
They were soon lost in sumbcr both peaceful
and deep,
And with fairies IN dream LAND were roaming
in sleep.
Eight, nine, and the little French clock had
struck ten,d
Ere the fatEer had thought Of his children
again;
He seems now to hear Annie's half suppressed
sighs,
And to see the big tears stand in Willie's blue
eyes;
81 was harsh with my darlings," he mentally
said,
"And should not have sent them so early to
bed.
But then was troubled, my feelings found
vent,
For bank stock to-day has gone down ten per
cent.
But of course they've forgot their troubles ere
this,
And that denied them the thrice asked for
kiss;
But 1uSt 10 make sure, IL SlS9I up W lhC uoOt,
For ne'r spoke harsh to my darlings BEFORE
So saying, he softly ascended the stairs,
And arrived at the door to hear both of their
prayers.
His Annie's "bless papa" draws forth the big
tears,
And Willie's grave promise falls sweet on his
ears.
Strange, strange I'd forgotten" said he with
4 sigh,
"IIow longcd when child, to have Christ
mas draw nigh;
I'll atone for my harshnesS," )" he inwardly said,
"By answering their prayers ere sleep in my
bed.n
Then he turned to the stairs, and softly went
down,
Threw oil velvet slippers and silk dressing
gown,
Donned hat, coat and boots, and was out in
the street,
A millionaire facing the cold, driving slcct.-
Nor stopped he until he had bought every
thing,