A Little Child Shall Lead

        "Dear Santa." said the letter
        That was slowly being read,
        "I seem to have a lot of time
        To think...... while I'm in bed;
        And so I thought I'd write to you,
        As I do every year;
        I hope you're well and happy now
        That Christmas is so near.

        It won't be very long until
        You'll soon be on your way
        To leave the presents that
        will make A happy Christmas Day.

        Now if you think that I was good,
        And goodness knows I've tried.
        I have a small suggestion,
        Though I know you must decide.

        I've heard about the shortages
        The world is facing now,
        But if we all would share a bit
        It might just help somehow.

        So Santa, if you should be short
        Of Christmas dolls this year,
        I thought I'd say, "My last years' doll
        Is precious and is dear;

        And really since she's almost new,
        It has occurred to me
        You really wouldn't have to leave
        A new one 'neath the tree.

        Instead, perhaps, you just might
        leave A doll for Mary Dove
        Who's also in the children's ward
        And needs a doll to love.

        She says her parents told her that
        With all their bills to pay,
        That they'd be lucky just to buy
        The food for Christmas Day!

        So please, dear Santa, don't forget
        To stop for Mary too;
        And then she'll have a doll or toy
        And she won't feel so blue.

        I'm tired now, but Santa dear,
        I have not finished yet.
        Tomorrow I'll continue so
        My nurse won't be upset.

        But the letter, still unfinished ,
        Ne'er reached old Santa's hand.
        The young girls' parents found it
        On her little bedside stand.

        With dampened eyes they packed it
        With their daughters other things;
        But somehow, this poignant letter
        Helped soothe away death's sting.

        Then just before the parents left,
        They stopped a nurse to say
        Please give this doll to Mary Dove ,
        From Santa.....Christmas Day!

        And should there be another child
        That Santa might pass by
        Please let us know,
        so we can add to Santa's short supply!

        The nurse who'd seen the letter
        said "God bless you for this deed.
        In life and death you daughter proved
        A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD

        by Carol Sanborn