Christmas Every Week: Christmas Robin
Seeing a robin on Christmas Day reminded Arnold Kellett of life's true values.
From rows of robins caged in cards
I turned and looked outside:
And there he was - near the window-pane,
With his dapper brown coat and russet breast,
Impeccably, handsomely, festively dressed,
So small, so proud, so self-possessed,
All bright and beady-eyed.
As cock-robins do, he cocked his head,
Almost as if to say:
'Now I'm for real, not imprisoned on card,
Out in the cold, but cheerfully free,
And all that I own is just what you see
Do you think you could spare a crust for me
To celebrate this Day?'
'He can't know it's Christmas!' my reason rebuked,
'It's only by chance that he comes'
But out on the deep-frozen, hoar-frosted lawn
I rejoiced in this robin so warmly alive,
Who so opportunely had chanced to arrive,
And it made my day to know he would thrive
On a feast of Christmas crumbs.
And I thought of the presents we give and receive,
Exchanging by millions expensive amounts,
But my crumbs brought a pleasure you'd hardly believe
With robins it's more than the thought that counts.
