Christmas Tale

Christmas Tale

Back in Victorian times, Christmas was celebrated by so few.
The enjoyment it gave the chosen, the rest, they never knew.
Roast beef, turkey, and pudding, graced the tables of the
favoured,
But for the humble poor, a crust of bread, only if they laboured

The bitter cold and lack of nourishment made many poor unwell.
Not many of these souls had friends to help, or any place to
dwell.
They laid in doorways and in gutters; they just could not
survive.
Many had no refuge; they just laid in the streets and died.

Those days are in the past, for now help is always at hand.
Shelter and food is given to all, in a haven always manned.
Therefore, this Christmas season, think of these unfortunate few.
And be thankful, for in the past, this may have been you or me.

Roy Coppin