Shoes A-begging
From Sawiki
The Captain saw the children's needs, and longed to do them good.
`I'd get some help for them,' he said, `if people understood.'
Then came a very bright idea-you know who sends us such -
The Captain set to work to bring the rich and poor in touch.
He first went round mysteriously asking for worn-out shoes
Kicked into holes by little feet-a funny thing to choose!
He got two hundred rapidly, not stopping to explain.
'You wait a little while!' he said, `and time will make it plain.'
Those battered shoes were polished up, and each a parcel made,
Wrapped with a charming little note, asking for special aid;
'These shabby shoes have come to beg for children who have need.
If you will put inside a gift, we shall be glad indeed.'
Kind-hearted Hollanders recalled the customs of their land,
Those little shoes brought childhood back and made them understand
That, in these Indonesian Isles, poor children had a friend
To voice their needs and care for them. `Well, wife, what shall we send ?'
A father asked. The mother went where clothes and toys were stored,
And when the Captain called again she gave her precious hoard.
Money went into other shoes, and none was lost although
The broken shoes had many a hole in upper, sole or toe.
So when Ingathering Day had come the Captain's heart beat high,
And all who'd given worn-out shoes now saw the reason why.
'Tis good to bring the rich and poor thus helpfully in touch,
But better still to hear His Voice say 'Inasmuch.'
'Kind hearts are more than coronets,' we'll find them everywhere,
If 'simple faith' appeals to them their kindness to declare.
Ruth Tracy
