The Citizen, 1999-12-22, Page 34PAGE 34. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1999.
Sharing A Christmas Legend
This poem was recited by Laura
Lee at concerts when she was in her
early teens (circa 1930). Her son
Aubrey Toll said she had many
poems and prose, some long, some
short all memorized.
A Christmas Legend
Christmas Eve in Eldon village
Two long centuries ago
Found the streets deserted, empty,
covered with untrodden snow.
Silence, with the darkness deep
ened, not a sound, no lights aglow.
Shutters barred hid frightened faces
full of dread and woe.
Christmas Eve, but what a
Christmas -
Tears for gladness - cares for joy,
for the enemy were coming
Christmas customs to destroy.
By some mischance, a choir boy,
sweetest singer of them all.
Had not heard the evil tidings and
waited for the well-known call.
He entered in the old cathedral,
wonder that none were with him
there.
He thought to practise while he
waited - Christmas Carols fair.
Soon along the whitened roadway
came the steady tramp of feet.
Stem, determined, grey garbed sol
diers marching to a muffled beat.
Now, the light from the cathedral
streams far out across their path
And the enemy long silent are
stirred to sudden wrath.
“Slay these idol-loving people,”
called the leader
And-the rest rushed toward the vil
lage houses quick to follow his
behest.
But Hark! above the growing
tumult came a boy’s voice high and
clear,
At the abbey dcor the captain
paused and stopped to hear.
Turning then, he gave a signal -
Each grim warrior stood still, as a
childish voice sang sweetly
Hallelujah, Peace, Good Will.
To God be glory' in the Highest,
peace on earth, good will to men.
Unto us is born a Saviour, Christ
the Lord, Amen.
When at last the anthem ended,
strange the scene the stars looked
on.
Lo! each man with bared head,
kneeling, where in arms he had
stood before.
Rising then and shouldering match
locks, silent from the town they
fled. «
No man saw them hence departing,
but the angels smiled.
Tired of waiting, now the choir boy
passed out of the Abbey gate
Wends along his slow way home
ward, wonders why the others are
so late
Wonder if tonight the Christ Child
really will come down below,
Wonders why there are so many
footprints in the snow.
Quick Tip:
Party
pressures
(NC)—A quick visit to the LCBO
could put your party mind at ease.
Since September most stores have
been selling copies of the
Millennium Party Planner ($9.95)
and it covers everything a host needs
to know - from setting timelines to
invitations to atmosphere and
entertainment - and even how many
cars to hire to take them home, or
how many bunks to set up in the
basement. In fact, you’ll find the
Planner helpful for any future party
you hold.
- News Canada
Meeting Santa
While Mikayla Henry is wide-eyed with enthusiasm about
meeting Santa Claus prior to the Blyth Christmas Pageant
at Blyth Memorial Hall Saturday, sister Cassandra seems
less than thrilled. Santa was invited to attend by the Blyth
Lions Club.
Merry Motoring!
Hope you have CATU
the best Christmas ({'(_■•■ J
on wheels!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
/""A A -U A
WALTON AUTO
& SMALL ENOINE REPAIR
UST WHAT THE ™
DOCTOR ORDERED our wishes for
~_____ __ a very healthy,
happy season.
APOTHECARY
Draw Winner
Eileen Haggitt - Blyth
Blyth Dan 8l Donna Taylor 82, Lorna Fraser 523-4210
Angie Walden
Jackie Falconer
Diana Doerr
Lenore Scimgeour
Scrimgeour's
Food Market
Blyth 523-4551
Debbie Cook
Stephanie Shuart
May the happy hours, beautiful memories and
many holiday blessings shared by your family
make this your merriest Christmas ever!
We're thinking of you and sending our thanks.
Don, Lenore, Kevin, Brent, Heidi & Staff
Scott Bouman
Jenny Ritchie