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, 
Tho 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 childrens 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