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KARMA

Christmas was in the air and all was well
With him, but for a few confusing flaws
In divers of God's images. Because
A friend of his would neither buy nor sell,
Was he to answer for the axe that fell?
He pondered; and the reason for it was,
Partly, a slowly freezing Santa Claus
Upon the corner, with his beard and bell.

Acknowledging an improvident surprise,
He magnified a fancy that he wished
The friend whom he had wrecked were here again.
Not sure of that, he found a compromise;
And from the fulness of his heart he fished
A dime for Jesus who had died for men.

01:11 • 1.1 MB
with text and photo

     
  Poem © Edwin Arlington Robinson by Charles Scribner's Sons, copyright 1916. As Robinson died in 1935, for public domain purposes, here in the United States, the author's death plus 70 years would be the year 2005. This poem originally appeared on page 114 of The New Republic, 1914. It is in the public domain.  
     

All recordings made by Alan Drake, teacher of English at Lakewood High School, Lakewood, NJ.
Mr. Drake also works evenings and on Saturdays at the Long Branch Free Public Library, Long Branch, NJ.

Except where specifically noted. All poetry and recordings are in the public domain.