Christmas Eve

She came stumbling into the bar room
I could see she was feeling sad
So I offered a drink to the lady
I could see that she needed one bad

Her coat it was thin and shabby
And her features were drawn and pale
She accepted the drink and thanked me
Then she told me a sad little tale

She said it's the night before Christmas
And my good husband died last spring
And left me with two little children
And I can't buy them one little thing

I asked if she cared for another drink
She thanked me and said "Oh, no,
The children are waiting at home, sir
And now I must hurry and go"

Her gaze rambled over the bar room
Then a frown came over her face
She said, " May the good Lord forgive me
Oh, why did I come to this place"

I was hunting the Salvation Army
She spoke in a voice that was clear
I wanted some toys for my children
When some Joker sent me in here

The place was noisy with laughter
And the boys were singing a song
When I looked at her poise and carriage
Then I knew that she didn't belong

So I rapped on the old bar for silence
And I told of the poor women's plight
I then took her hand and consoled her
By then she was shivering with fright

Then the bar tender said to his patrons
As he laid five bucks on a pan
Be generous boys, this is Christmas eve
So everyone give all he can

As he shuffled the old pan down the bar
His voice came clear and loud
Come boys, there must be kindly heart
Among such a jolly good crowd

So each of the boys gave generously
Each one of them did his part
To fill up the pan with coins and bills
Each one of them gave from his heart

So the bar keep brought the pan to me
And he whispered with a quiver
"You started this thing young man" says he
"Now it's up to you to deliver"

I had some green bucks burning my jeans
Done up in a rubber band
So I dropped the wad on top of the pile
And placed it all in her hand

She didn't cry, but she said a prayer
God blees you one and all
You have just now made it possible
For that grand old man to call

She paused a while then looked around
And then our eye they met
Then something happened to both of us
Something that we'll never forget

Two hearts as one left that saloon
And ambled down the old road
To a little white house in the country
To the place of her humble abode

Now wedding bells have rang since then
And she's happy and bubbling with joy
And old Santa Claus just handed me
A nice little girl and boy