The Kid Around the Corner

There's a kid around the corner
   Who is filled with half-formed fears;
He is growing rather wistful
   As the Christmas season nears;
For a hint has reached him lately
That has made him wonder greatly
   If the jovial old Santa
   Is as kind as he appears.

But the kid around the corner
   Has strong faith in Santa Claus
Notwithstanding dread depression
   And all economic laws.
Could we run this sad old earth right
Such a faith were all youth's birthright.
   If you asked him why he holds it
   He would answer "Just because."

There's a kid around the corner
   Who will wake on Christmas morn
With his faith renewed in goodness,
   Or, incredulous, forlorn,
With a child's trust sadly shaken . . .
Then how would we have him waken
   In whose hands rests the miracle
   Of Santa Claus reborn?