The News & Observer

What Little Saul Got Christmas.

Us parents mostly thinks our own's
The smartest children out!
But Widder Shelton's little Saul
Beats all I know about!
He's weary-like—in pint o' health,
But strong in word and deed
And heart and head, and snap and
spunk,
And allus in the lead!
Come honest by it, fer his Pa—
Afore he passed away—
He was a leader—(Lord, I'd like
To hear him preach today!)
He led his flock; he led in prayer
Fer spread o' peace—and when
Nothin' but War could spread it, he
Was first to lead us then.
So little Saul has grit to take
Things jes as they occur:
And Sister Shelton's proud o' him
As he is proud o' her!
And when she "got up"—lies fer him
And little playmates all—
A Chris'mus tree—they ever' one
Was there but little Saul.
Pore little chap was sick in bed
Next room: and Doc was there.
And said the children might file past
But go right back to where
The tree was, in the settin' room.
And Saul jes laid and smiled—
Ner couldn't nod, ner wave his hand.
It hurt so—Bless the child!
And so they left him there with Doc—
And warm tears o' his Ma's
Then—suddent like—high over all
Their laughter and applause—
They heard—"I don't care what you git
On yer old Chris'mus tree,
'Cause I'm got somepin' you all haint;
I'm got the pleurisy!"
—James Whitcomb Riley.