Posted by canadianviolet (My Page) on Tue, Dec 6, 05 at 18:27

Thank you to all the ladies who helped in the search !!
HUGS,
Hazelanne
Here is the poem:
CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE CITY
Author Unknown
From circa 1935

It was Christmas Eve in the city, the shops were all bright and gay;
With many a wreath and holly, and many a mistletoe spray.
And clustering round each window, were groups of children bright,
Gazing at toys and sweetmeats, with wonder and delight.
Two little lads were passing, hungry, wet and lame,
Born in a slum so wretched, living in sin and shame.
No one to soothe or pity no one to care or love
Father a drunkard and mother, safe in yon heaven above.
Now they are reaching the attic; desolate, cold and chill,
Two little friendless urchins, poor little Mike and Bill.
Mike, he was only seven  Billy had just turned four,
Singing in the streets for a living, begging from door to door.
Christmas had come with its presents, gifts for young and for old.
Thousands next morn would be singing, of angels and harps of gold.
Many a pampered favorite would have presents enough and to spare,
But no one thought of the garret and the two little urchins there.
"Mike" whispered Bill with a shiver, "Who is that cove Santa Claus
Who comes and brings presents at Christmas? I guess heÂs a rich chap
Because he never comes down our alley, but brings them to folks up town.
They say he has long white whiskers, and a great red crimson gown.
If I only knew where to find him, IÂd tell him about you and me,
And perhaps if he wasnÂt too stingy, heÂd give us some bread and some tea."
"I donÂt think he lives down here", said the tiny boy of seven.
"I think Santa Clause is God who lives up above in Heaven".
"O that canÂt be right", said Billy, "for teacher says, you see,
That God loves all his children and, of course, that means you and me,
But if you are quite sure of it, letÂs ask Him now and see."
So two little hungry laddies, knelt down in the shavings bare,
And two little hands in prayer ascend to the ChildrenÂs Savior,
from out of the garret bare Â
"Dear Jesus, King of Glory, look down from Heaven and see
Two little boys in a garret  Billy and Mike  thatÂs me.
Father he kicks us and beats us, Mother is with you up there,
We have begged all day in the city and no one seems to care.
Please donÂt forget the number, but send Santa Claus this way
With presents for me and Billy  tomorrow  thatÂs Christmas Day.
We donÂt want no toys or play things, only some bread to eat,
Some shoes and a pair of stockings for poor little BillyÂs feet."
This done the two little tired laddies laid down in the shavings bare
While angels from Heaven descended to answer the simple prayer.
Soon dawned the Christmas morning, the churches were bright and gay
With thousands of joyous children gathering to praise and pray.
The sun shone into the garret and into the shavings bare --
It lit up the two pinched faces of the two little urchins there.
But the two little bodies were lifeless, For the two little souls had fled
To a heaven of warmth and comfort, To a feast of living bread.
And safe in the arms of Jesus, two little urchins fair,
Are thanking the children's Savior, who answered Mike's little prayer.