A child will wake on Christmas day
And find his stocking filled with toys;
The home will ring with laughter gay—
That boy be glad as richer boys.
And there a mother fond will sing
A song of joy to hear his shout—
Forgetting every needed thing
That she will have to do without.
A heart that's brimming o'er with love
Will suffer gladly for a friend,
And take no time in thinking of
How much it can afford to spend.
And suddenly on Christmas morn
Will gladness beam from shining eyes—
A gladness that alone was born
Of someone's willing sacrifice.
Let cynics scoff howe'er they will
And say but fools such presents give,
There'll be such sacrifices till
All human love shall cease to live.
'Twould be a dreary world of thrift,
Of barren ways, and sunless skies,
If no one ever gave a gift
That was not born of sacrifice.
The brightest gifts that us reward
Are those the givers can't afford.
The Callers
Who's dat knockin' at de do',
Who's dat callin' here ter-day?
What yo' want to see me fo'?
Tell me what yo' got to say.
What yo' name an' what yo' mean,
Standin' out there in de gloam?
Trouble, waitin' to come in?
No sir, no sir, I ain't home!
Who's dat ringin' of de bell,
Wakin' me in dead of night,
When Ah was a-sleepin' well,
Rousin' me wid such a fright?
What yo' name and what yo' hurry?
Seems to me yo're actin' queer.
What's dat? Yo' is Mister Worry?
No sir, no sir, I ain't here!
Who's dat waitin' at my do'?
What yo' want a-hangin' round?
Ain't yo' nebber gwine ter go?
Jes' yo' quit dat knockin' sound.
Tell me now jes' what yo' meant
Callin' out my name dat way.
What's dat? Yo' is Discontent?
No sir, I ain't home ter-day!
Mornin'! Howdy, Mister Smile!
Mornin' Sunshine, how yo' do?
Ah'se been waitin' all de while
Jes' ter get a call from you.
Walk right in an' take a seat,
Where's yo' brudder, Joy, ter-day?
Jes' a-comin' down de street?
Enter! Here's de place ter stay.