Cinderella in the South Part 27

They filled the place from screen to door The children of the sun.

Me seem'd that southern sun was gla.s.s'd In eyes of ev'ryone.

The server-men had lawn and lace And crimson pageantry, And boys were in their best, and girls Wore kerchiefs bright to see.

Me seem'd those bare brown feet were shod With crystal peace and glee.

The incense-smoke it skein 'd and spir'd, The vowell'd hymns rang clear, A shrill bell rung by a brown hand Said Christ was very near.

Me seem'd a sun-tann'd Angel stoopt And caroll'd in mine ear.

I Bless G.o.d for this our Christmas Ball About our Christmas Board!

Our Church that faery G.o.dmother Her child hath not ignor'd, And Africa, with heart in sky, Is dancing to the Lord.

The Old World's and the New World's drudge Whom few would praise before Now from the kitchen hath been claim 'd, The stable and the store, Christ claims her heart to dance with his Where Europe's danced of yore.'

With shoes of crystal peace and glee Christmas his clients proves: They're misfits for those masters pale And their white lady-loves; But O they fit black boys and girls Who clean their knives and stoves!