UNTO THE LEAST (Christmas 1920)

Posted by Admin on 23 November 2006, 12:00 am

’Twas five and eighty years ago
when he came to our door,
barefooted and bedraggled,
the poorest of the poor.

He came from China Terrace
behind the Anchor Inn,
a breeding place for vermin,
for drunkenness and sin.

Unwashed, emaciated,
a boy before us stood,
and asked us of our charity
to give his family food.

My parents carved a slice of meat,
gave mince pies made that day,
and, overwhelmed with pity,
saw the wretch go on his way.

Their meagre contribution,
because they too lacked pence
equating to the Magi’s gold,
their myrrh and frankincense.

T. C. Hudson

Church

Village