I bet a king upon a throne Who looks around his court, Whatever army he may own Or wealth of any sort, Is never nearly half as proud As I was, in a way, When I beheld our little crowd At home on Christmas Day. For yonder sat another queen, As good as any king's; You know the lady that I mean, Who wears no royal things, But has as faithful followers Her wishes to obey; God bless that retinue of hers At home on Christmas Day! -- A family of girls and boys, Just healthy boys and girls, No music theirs but happy noise, No gold but golden curls. But, Mr. King, you keep your throne! It may be fine -- but, say, I wouldn't trade it for my own At home on Christmas Day! My scepter is a carving-knife, A weapon tried and true, My house my castle, queen my wife, The kids our retinue. Each wants a leg, and not a wing, And so I carve away -- But Mother she'll take "anything," At home on Christmas Day. It's over now another year, Our Christmas Day is o'er; But we're a little gladder here, And closer than before. I do not ask for riches, then -- Lord, only this I pray: That we can have them all again At home on Christmas day. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...APPLES OF HESPERIDES by AMY LOWELL SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: MRS. CHARLES BLISS by EDGAR LEE MASTERS THE PICTURE (VENUS RECLINING) by EZRA POUND BALLADE OF DEAD FRIENDS by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON TWO SONNETS: 2 by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON |