Page:All quiet along the Potomac and other poems.djvu/184

 SANTA CLAUSES MISTAKE.

He looked on the bed so smooth and white ;

On the shelf, but it was not there ; Under the mantel s shadowy side ;

Up on the pantry-door ; But the little stocking he could not find

He had always found before.

He softly gathered again his gifts ;

His face was a sight to see As tears fell down on his furry coat,

And he said, &quot; No work for me ; I m only a jolly childish saint;

I cry, but can do no more ; Only the Christ-child s tender feet

Should come to the silent door.&quot;

He stole away, but the reindeers bells He stuffed with the woolly snow,

So the stricken mother could hear him not As he softly went, and slow.



A timid knock at the barred door ;

A rush of the midnight air ; A pleading voice, and before them stood,

As they opened, the Christ-child fair.

I come,&quot; he said, &quot; to the lonely arms That are vacant except for me ;

Oh take me in ; I have walked to you From the shores of Galilee.

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