POETRY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2133, 24 December 1880, Page 3

POETRY.

ANNIE AND WILLIE’S PRAYER. A Christmas Story. By Sophia P. Snow. ’Twin the eve before Christmas, “ Goodnight ” had been said. And Annie and Willie had crept into bed. There wero tears on their pillows and tears ia their eyes, . And each little bosom was heaving with sighs, , For to-night their stern father’s command had been given That they should retire precisely at seven Instead of at eight; for they troubled him more With questions unheard of than ever before. He told them he thought this delusion a sin. No snch person as “Santa Claus” had ever been, And he hoped after this he should nevermore hear How he scrambled down chimneys with presents each year, And this was the reason that two little

heads So restlessly tossed on their soft downy

beds. Eight, nine, and the clock on the steeple tolled ten. Not a word had been spoken by either till

then, When Willie’s sad face from the blanket did

peep, ... . , As he whispered 14 Dear Annie, is on ta s aa’eep “Why no, brother Willie,” a sweet voice

replies, “ I’ve long tried in vain, but 1 can t shut

my eyes, For somehow it makes mo so sorry because Dear papa has said there is no ‘Santa Claus.’ Now me know there is, and it can’t be denied. For ho came every year before mamma died. But then I’ve been thinking that she used to

pray, And God wonld hear everthing mamma would say. And maybe she asked Him to send ‘ Santa

Clans ’ here With the sack full of presents he brought

each year.” “ Well, why tan’t we p’ay dost as mamma did den, And ast Dod to send him wid p’essents

aden.” “I’ve been thinking so too,” and without a

word more 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, yon know, we must firmly

believe 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 yon will know that your turn

has come then— Dear Jesus, look down on my brother and

me, And grant me the favor wc are asking of

Thee. I want a wax dolly—a tea set and ring, And an ebony workbox that shuts with a

spring. Bless papa, dear Jesus, and oanae him to

see That ‘ Santa Clans ’ loves ns as much as does he; Don’t let him get fretful and angry again At dear brother Willie and Annie—Amen.” “ Feese Deesus, et ‘Santa Tans’ turn down

to nite, An’ bring ns some peasants before it is lite I want he aood dlv me a nice ickle sed

With bright shinin’ gunners—an’ all painted yed— A box full of tandy, a book an’ a toy. Amen, and den Deesus, I’ll be a dood 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 peaceful and deep, And, with fairies in dreamland, were roaming in sleep. Eight, nine, and the little French clock had

struck ten ’Ere the father bad thought of his children again: He seems now to hear Annie’s half suppressed sighs. And to see the big tears stand in Willie’s blue eyes. “ I was harsh to my darlings,” he mentally

said, “ And should not have sent them so early to

bed— But then I was troubled—my feelings found vent, For Bank stock to day has gone down ten per cent. But of course they’ve forgotten their

troubles ere this, And that I denied them the thrloe askedfor kiss. And, jnst to make sore, I’ll steal up to the door, For I never spoke harsh to my darlings before.” So saying, he softly ascended the stairs, And arrived at the door to hear both of their prayers. His Annie’s “ Bless Papa 1” drew forth his

big tears. And Willie’s grave promise fell sweet on his

ears, "Strange—strange—l’d forgotten,” said he with a sigh, “How I longed, when a child, to have Christmas draw nigh. I’ll atone for my harshness,” he inwardly said, “By answering their prayers ere I sleep in my bed.” Then turned to the stairs, and softly went

down— Threw off velvet slippers and silk dressing

gown— Donned hat, coat, and boots, and was out

in the street, A Millionaire—facing the cold driving sleet. Nor’stopped he until he had bought everything, From the box full of candy to the tiny gold

ring. Indeed, be kept adding so much to his

store, That the various presents outnumbered a

score. Then homeward he tnrned, with his holiday

load, Which, with Aunt Mary's help, In the nursery was stowed. Miss Dolly was seated beneath a pine tree, By the side of a table spread out for her

tea. A work-box well filled in the centre was laid And on it the ring for which Annie had prayed j A soldier, in uniform, stood by a sled “ With bright shining gunners and all painted red j” There were balls, dogs, and horses, books pleasing to see, And birds of all colors were perched in the tree, While “ Santa Olaus,” laughing, stood up in the top As if getting ready more presents to drop. And as the fond father the picture surveyed He thought for his trouble he’d been amply repaid. And he said to himself aa he wiped off a tear “ I’m happier to-night than I’ve been for a year, I’ve enjoyed more true pleasure than aver before, What care I if bankstock falls ten per cent, more ? Hereafter I’ll make it a rule, I believe,

To have * Santa Claus’ visit us each Ohrismas

So thiokii."- he gently extinguished the light. And, tripping dost ustalrs, he retired for the night. Ae soon aa the beanie ol *be bright morn mg sun Pat the darkness to 'light — and '■be staff, one by one— Four little blue eyes out of sleep opened wide, - , And at the same moment the presei ta espied. Then out of their beds they sprang with a bound, And the very gifts prayed for were all of them found. They laughed and they cried in their innocent glee, And shouted for Papa, to come quick and see

What presents old “ Santa Clan,” brought in the night (Just the things that they wanted) and left before light. “And now,” added Annie, in voice soft and low, “ You’ll believe there’s a ‘ Santa Olaua, ’ Papa, I know.” While dear little Willie climbed up on his knee. Determined no secret between them should bo. And told in soft accents how Annie had said That their dear blessed mamma, so long sgo dead, Used to kneel down and pray by the side of her chair, And that God up In Heaven had answered her prayer. “ Don we dot up and paed, dust as well as we tood, And Dod answered our pares. Now, wasn’t he dood ?” 11 1 should say that He was if ho sent you all these, And knew just what presents my darlings to please. (Well, well, let them think so —the dear little elf—'Twould be cruel to tell him I did it myself.)” Blind father! Who caused your stem heart to relent, And the hasty words spoken so soon to repent ? ’Twas the Being who bade you steal softly npatars, And made you—His agent—to answer their prayers.