It was nearly time to close the shop
One snowy Christmas Eve 
When a ragged little fellow 
Clutched the owner by his sleeve.

"Mister, sir!", the urchin cried, 
I know it's time to leave,
But you have just one dolly left,
And it is Christmas Eve."

"Don't you think she'll be unhappy, sir,
Alone on Christmas Day,
Without the other dollies here
With whom she used to play?"

I could invite her to my house
To spend the day with sister;
I'm sure she'd take good care of her.
Could I do that?  Please, mister?"

The owner turned to look
Into the earnest little face,
Remembering another Christmas Day
In another time and place.

Then, his own dear little sister
Had waited hopelessly
For just one, tiny little doll
Beneath her Christmas tree.

Then, tenderly, he took the doll
And gave her to the lad.
"Your Christmas invitation, son,
Will make her very glad!"

DORRIS GAINDER