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The Robin’s Christmas Eve

December 24, 2024
by the gentle author

If you fancy a bracing walk as a respite from the forthcoming festivities, tickets are available for THE GENTLE AUTHOR’S TOUR OF SPITALFIELDS on New Year’s Day.

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Click here to buy GIFT VOUCHERS for The Gentle Author’s Tours – the ideal present for friends and family – and I will send a handwritten greetings card to the recipients

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This extract is from ‘Aunt Louisa’s Keepsake’ published by Frederick Warne which was given to me by Libby Hall. The copy is inscribed ‘Christmas 1896’ inside the front cover.

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‘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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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7 Responses leave one →
  1. Milo permalink
    December 24, 2024

    Merry Xmas to the Gentle Author and all the contributing elves, goblins and subscribers. May we all have a peaceful New Year…(Some would say there’s fat chance of that with all that portends but lets not worry about that for now)

  2. Mark permalink
    December 24, 2024

    Thanks G. A.
    The Robin is such an enchanting bird, always feel blessed to see one. Have a good Xmas.

  3. December 24, 2024

    *** MERRY CHRISTMAS! ***
    *** FROHE WEIHNACHTEN! ***
    *** JOYEUX NOËL! ***

    A wonderful Christmas season to all readers!

    Love & Peace
    ACHIM

  4. Cherub permalink
    December 24, 2024

    That was a lovely poem.

    Merry Christmas to all from Switzerland!

  5. December 24, 2024

    From the Hudson River Valley in New York State — with a dusting of snow, mind you — Gratitude to the Gentle Author and his lovely cat friend. You always provide much-needed optimism and buoyancy. Priceless!

    Onward and upward in 2025!
    Lynne

  6. December 24, 2024

    Festively charming. Merry Christmas to all.

  7. Marcia Howard permalink
    December 24, 2024

    Thank you for constantly keeping us educated and entertained. You come up with the most fascinating facts and stories, of course leaving us all wanting more. Thank you again, and all the very best for Christmas and the coming year.

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