One evening ev'ry year the local Mayor was wont to meet
The children of the city at their annual Christmas treat;
And so that none should hunger at this season of Good Will,
The board was spread with Yuletide fare that all might eat their fill.
A mighty Christmas tree was placed at one end of the hall,
It's glitt'ring branches laden down with lovely gifts for all.
`But with so many guests to satisfy,' His Worship smiled,
`There can be but one gift - and only one - for every child.'
So one by one each childish heart was fill'd with happy joy,
And sounds of `Ooh!' and 'Ah!' were heard as each received his toy.
One little chap called Tim seemed dazed at this display;
'Twas plain to see that presents very rarely came his way.
His clothes, tho' tidy, bore the mark of many a patched up tear,
Sign of a loving widowed mother's never-failing care.
'Tis now his turn to take a gift - 0, what a glad surprise!
A box of soldiers! Timmy's joy was written in his eyes.
He stretched his hands out eagerly - and then, we saw him pause;
One wistful look, and then he spoke - and oh, the loud guffaws
That echoed round the room as, shyly, timidly, he said,
`Please Sir, I'd like a dolly for a little girl, instead.'
The jeering sniggers of the rest made Timmy blush with shame;
`He wants a dolly!' someone sneered, another... `What's her name?'
The kindly Mayor said, `Oh, but why a doll, my little son?
The soldiers for a lad like you are surely much more fun?'
`It's for my little sister, sir, she's ill, and - oh, I know
She's longing for a little doll because she told me so.
You said one present for each child, and so I'd raver, sir,
Give back the *sojers and I'll take a doll instead - for her.'
As Timmy finished speaking, not a single sound was heard,
Glances were averted and many eyes were blurred.
Sarcastic sneers and sniggers faded in a trice,
For Timmy's story told a tale of great self-sacrifice.
And when the children, homeward bound, went filing thro' the door,
A lovely doll - and soldiers, too - young Timmy proudly bore.