The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1907-01-12
CHRISTMAS DAY.

Merry Christmas has come again,
Bringing pleasure mixed with pain.
To children it gives naught but joy,
Save when Santa Claus withhoIds some
toy.
Its coming now has brought to mind
Vacant chairs In which we do not find
The forms Of those whose presence here
When last 1t came increased our cheer,
Some Of those whom we deem friend.
Their prayers to Heaven may ascend
That our souls may be free from pain.
We welcome YOU with true gladness.
Yet sometimes think with real sadness,
That you take Us another year
Nearer the spot Time doth us steer,
Let MS not upon sad things dwell.
For now dark thoughts we should dispel;
Rejoice that God his son did give
On this day. that we might always live;
IL We would his wise commands obey,
And not from his holy precepts stray.
To-day brings thoughts Of things to re-
gret.
But some joys not mentioned yet.
Christmas tree, whence did you spring?
What JOY to children You always bring!
Laden with sweets and things most rare,
Is it strange that We should at you stare?
On Christmas Eve there may be seen,
Cedar, holly or something green
In church or hall for Christmas tree
To hold gifts to children given free.
The miser who hides his gold away
Where others eyes and hands do not stray
On Christmas Eve from his treasure takes
The shining metal and presents makes,
Hearts that have thrObbed for self alone
This holy Dav prompts them to atone;
Where self-IOve and hate We lately found.
Generous deeds aud kind words abound.
On Christmas Eve. guns, loud do roar,
On Christmas Eve, we cheer the poor.
On Christmas Eve. church bells do ring,
On Christmas Eve, the chOirs do sing.
On Christmas Eve. with mass we are
blessed,
On that day the Christmas tree is dressed,
So Christmas Eve is hOnOred quite.
From early noon until late at night
Cakes on tables are piled up high,
Luscious fruits and the rich mince pie,
The turkey that once swung round
Before the fire till made quite brown.
But now since Of stoves we can boast,
No longer swings that way to roast,
The pigs that in the pasture rove
Are likewise showed into the stove
Stuffed with oysters and other things
Come out fit for the tables of Kings.
Christmas day puts all upon IA plan,
No distinction save fool and sane.
In the sincere greetings of good cheer,
We Know the serf. as well rs pSer
The little urchin with bare feet.
Expects and receives Christmas treat,
The mconth lad longing for present
Halls Christmas gift. to lord and peasant.
Happy children enth'ised with fun
Oh the street with fre-crackers and gun.
will surely be allowed to stay
II they will boldly and blandly say,
Don't trouble us. this is Christmas day.
The pranky boy may tie tin can
To the dog of any wealthy man
And not be roughly hied away
II he will respectfully say.
Remember sir, this il Christmas day.
The old topper filed to the chin
With Irish whiskey and Holland gin,
We all can truthfully attest.
l. free from official arrest,
Though walking in zizzag way
IL his liquor soaked tongue can say,
Thus We see each in his chosen way,
Some with bruises and headache as pay, /
Can enjoy himself on Christmas day,
Holy day of merriment and sorg.
Sees many do right. but more do wrong.
When you come to mark anOthey year.
With thoughts and feelings most sincere,
We wish and pray. but not without fear,
Friends and loved ones may still be here.
Those who have gone to realms unknown,
May God have claimed as his own.
Dec. 25. 1906. CAMPANA.
Ill., - C..o rks1h1Nsa~