Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1876-12-26
Spirit of gefsrsolr.
CharlestoNn, Jefferson County, We,t Va.
TUESDAY .MORNING. DEOEMBER 20, 1876.
PoE11cAl.
ANNIE AND WILLIH'S PRAYER.

The following poem, written by Mrs. So
phia p Snow, is one Of the most exquisitely
touching aud beautiful that we have ever
read. It cannot fail to reach the hearts of all
who peruse it. besides being peculiarly appro>
pirate to the holidays:
Twas the eve before Christmas; stGood-
night" had been said,
Aud Annie and Willie had crept into bed;
There were tears on their pillows, and tears in
their eyes,
And each little bosom was heavy with sighs.
For tonight their stern fathers command
had been given,
That they should retire at precisely seven,
Instead of eight; for they troubled him more,
With questions unheard of than ever before;
lie had told them he thought this delusion
sin,
No such being as Santa Claus ever had been,
And he hoped after this he should never more
hear
How he scrambled down chimneys with pres
euts each year.
And this was the reason that two little heads
So restlessly tossed on their soft, downy beds.
Eight, nine, and the clock in the steeple tolled
ten;
Not 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
replies,
GIVE tried it 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, aud 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 tho sack full Of presents he brought
every year."
Well. why tant We pay dest as mamma did
then,
And ask him to send him with presents aden?"
'I'vo been thinking SO, too" And without
word moro
-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-
lieTe
That the presents We ask for We are sure
to receive;
You must wait just as still till I say the Amen,
And by that you will know that your turn
has come then"
Dear Jesus, look down on my brother aud
me,
And grant us the favor we are asking ofThee;
want wax dolly, tea.set and ring;
And an ebony wood,box, that shuts with a
spring;
Bless papa, dear Jesus, and cause him to see
That Santa Claus loves us far better than he
Don't let him get fretful and angry again
At dear brother Willie and Annie, Amen !"
Please, Jesus, let Santa Taus tum down to.
night,
And bring us some presents before it is light,
want he should div me nice little sed,
With bright, shiny runners, aud all painted
yed;
A box full of tandy, book and toy,
Amen, and then, Desus, I'll be good boy"
Their prayers being ended, they raised up
their heads,
And with hearts light and cheerful again
sought their beds;
They were soon lost in slumber, both peace
full aud deep,
And with fairies in dreamland were roaming
in sleep.
Eight, nine, and the little French clock had
struck ten.
Ere the father had thought of his children
again;
BE seems now to hear Annie's haIf-suppress-
ed sighs,
And to see the big tears stand on willie's
blue eyes.
"I was harsh to my darlings," he mentally
said,
anu shouIu uot nave sent tnem 80 early TO
bed;
But then 1 was tFoubled-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 jus. to make sure, III steal up to their
door,
For never spoke harsh to my darlings be,
FORE"