Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 December 1901 — THE REASON WHY [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE REASON WHY

By Marjorie Moore

"I heard a story lately, which I think la very queer!” And Robert’s self was on my- lap, his lips were at my ear— A dreadful, dreadful story—" a sudden, awful pause— Somebody said the other day there alnt no Santa Claus. “Would you believe It, auntlef They said 'twas all a trick About , the tiny reindeer and the visits of Saint Nick. That all the chimneys were too small, the stoves were all too hot. And lots of Just such stuff as that, I can’t remember what. “They said that years and years ago, with fire-places wide, And all the doors upon the latch In all the countryside, Both old and young for myths and ' . dreams had quite a pretty passion, But now belief In Santa Claus had all gone out of fashion. "And when X cried that X could prove 'twas all a wicked lie, They only shrugged their shoulders and said I’d better try; X never will believe It. I know It can’t be true! For if I’ve never seen him, say, auntie, haven’t you?” Ah, yes, my little questioner, quite often in my dreams. Though when I wake I only see the cold, white, still moonbeams; Dozing I often think I hear the sound of horn and hoof, And waking find the elm-tree boughs a tapping on the roof. But I have other reasons than those plain to eye and ear For trusting in the story that we hold so true and dear; I "hover shall outgrow it, nor lose my TJlIt n hodmiflo The world Srtlf never get beyond a need of Santa Claus. —Youths’ Companion.