SAINT NIKLAAS EVE
by John T. Baker
Saint Niklaas Eve, a night of bitter chill,
Forgotten now the once-beloved tales,
Disconsolate the children huddled still,
Their darkened dwellings dismal dingy jails;

No thought of gifts, no reason to rejoice,
No tender loving looks, no cheering word;
Until from out the dark a tiny voice
Sang sweet a simple song too long unheard:

"Saint Niklaas blesses us this holy night,
Come let us now give thanks and gladly sing!"
And suddenly the stars grew wondrous bright,
And all at once the bells began to ring.

The old and young embraced, their fears fast gone,
As hopefully they hailed another dawn;

And all who saw and heard then dared believe
The miracle of that Saint Niklaas Eve.