JENNIFER JANE

(A Sad Christmas Poem)


Jennifer Jane was 8 years old
And crippled since she was 3
I don't know whether it's true or not
But this is what was told to me

'Twas a cold and snowy Christmas eve
When her mother heard her at prayer
'... and if Santa could manage some ballet shoes
I would really like a red pair.'

She ran to tell her husband
Of their daughters mournful plea
'And where could you get Ballet shoes
On a Christmas Eve, don't ask me?'

She eventually did persuade him
To go out into the cold night
At that late hour there was no one around
Not even a stray cat was in sight

He walked the streets for hour after hour
And was just about to give in
When he spotted a quaint little shop
Who's lights were on, but rather dim

He was surprised when he looked in the window
To see nothing but ballet shoes there
He banged & banged on the door
Hoping someone could sell him a pair

A stooped grey haired old man
Said 'Come in out of the cold.
I'm afraid we haven't much left
All our bargains have been sold'

I need a pair of ballet shoes
They're for a girl of 8
'Oh!' remarked the shopkeeper
'I'm afraid you've come too late

The only pair that I have left
Happen to be red
'That's exactly what I want
The relieved father said

The happy parents laid the shoes
On their daughters bed
'I do hope this makes her happy'
The loving mother said

It was early in the morning
When they were aroused from their sleep
They crept along the landing
And into Jennifer's room did peep

What they saw
Though I may be waxing lyrical
Was nothing short
Of a bona fidi miracle

Jennifer, as all who knew her
Had been lame for years
Was dancing around her room
And her mother was in tears

What joy
This splendid gift did bring
On Christmas day in church
Their thanks to the Lord they did sing