Works in the Herald 1931
THE KID AROUND THE CORNER

An earnest appeal is being made through The Herald by "John Smith" for parcels of toys to fill Christmas stockings that are in danger of being left empty this year.

There's a kid around the corner
   Who is filled with half-formed fears;
He is growing rather wistful
   As the Christmas season nears;
For a hint has reached him lately
That has made him wonder greatly
   If the jovial old Santa
   Is as kind as he appears.

But the kid around the corner Has strong faith in Santa Claus Notwithstanding dread depression And all economic laws. Could we run this sad old earth right Such a faith were all youth's birthright. If you asked him why he holds it He would answer "Just because."
There's a kid around the corner Who will wake on Christmas morn With his faith renewed in goodness, Or, incredulous, forlorn, With a child's trust sadly shaken . . . Then how would we have him waken In whose hands rests the miracle Of Santa Claus reborn?

"Den"
Herald, 1 December 1931, p11

Copyright © Perry Middlemiss 2002