A Song For Christmas

 Chant me a rhyme of Christmas-

Sing me a jovial song,-

And though it is filled with laughter

Let it be pure and strong.

Christmas Carolers

Image courtesy/Peakpx

Let it be clear and ringing

And though it mirthful be,

Let a low, sweet voice of pathos

Run through the melody.

Sing of the hearts brimmed over

With the story of the day-

Of the echo of childish voices

That will not die away-

Of the blare of the tasseled bugle

And the timeless chatter and beat

Of the drum that throbs to muster

Squadrons of scampering feet.

But O let your voice fall fainter

Till blent with a minor tone,

You temper your song with the beauty

Of the pity Christ hath shown.

And sing one verse for the voiceless;

And yet, ere the song be done,

A verse for the ears that hear not,

And a verse for the sightless one.

For though it be time for singing

A merry Christmas glee,

Let a low, sweet voice of pathos

Run through the melody.

"A Song For Christmas"
James Whitcomb Riley
(1849-1916)
American writer, poet,
and best-selling author
Known as the "Hoosier Poet
and the "Children's Poet"