The Robin’s Christmas
This extract is from ‘Aunt Louisa’s Keepsake’ published by Frederick Warne which was given to me by Libby Hall who died earlier this year. The copy is inscribed ‘Christmas 1896’ inside the front cover.
‘Twas Christmas-time, a dreary night,
The snow fell thick and fast,
And o’er the country swept the wind,
A keen and wintry blast.
The Robin early went to bed,
Puffed up just like a ball,
He slept all night on one small leg,
Yet managed not to fall.
No food had touched his beak,
And not a chance had he
Of ever touching food again,
As far as he could see.
The stove had not burnt very low,
But still was warm and bright,
And round the spot whereon it stood,
Threw forth a cheerful light.
Now Robin from a corner hopped,
Within the fire’s light.
Shivering and cold, it was to him
A most enchanting sight.
But he is almost starved, poor bird!
Food he must have, or die,
Unless it seems, alas! for that
Within these walls to try.
Perhaps ‘t is thought by those who read
To doubtful to be true,
That just when they were wanted so
Some hand should bread crumbs strew.
But this is how it came to pass,
An ancient dame had said,
Her legacy unto the poor
Should all be spent on bread.
Enough there was for quite a feast,
Robin was glad to find.
The hungry fellow ate them all,
Nor left one crumb behind.
You may also like to take a look at
An inspiring poem .
Happy Christmas and thank you Gentle Author .
I shall feed the bird this morning .
A wonderful story is told here. Interesting for me: the book was published in 1896 — the year my grandfather was born!
*** MERRY CHRISTMAS! ***
*** FROHE WEIHNACHTEN! ***
*** JOYEUX NOËL! ***
Love & Peace
ACHIM
A tale of kindness for us all at Christmas. However, it will be a balmy fourteen degrees this Christmas Eve so the birds will think it springtime instead.
A charming story nevertheless. Thank you GA and a Merry Christmas to all!
We have a tame robin who hops around my feet in the garden waiting for dried mealworms and ground almonds (out of date!) He adopted me earlier in the year when I was digging and surprised at the sudden arrival so close. I know it’s cupboard love but my wife feels he has some spiritual presence. Merry Christmas!
Very sweet old fashioned Christmas poem. I enjoyed my read this morning while reflecting on Christmas mornings of years gone by.
Thank you for including the cover image, wonderfully large and evocative. It gave me a feeling of sitting with the book in hand, carefully turning the pages, and appreciating the softened colors of the illustrations. The story is so suitable for the holidays — full of gentle high hopes for this little feathered fellow, and (bless us!) a happy ending.
What a lovely discovery on this cloudy morning in the Hudson River Valley.
Happy Holidays, GA, and readers.