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,
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 your daughter proved 
A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD......