Within a town of Holland, once,
A widow dwelt, ‘tis said,
So poor, Alas! her children asked
One night in vain, for bread.
But this poor woman loved the Lord,
And knew that He was good;
So, with her little ones around,
She prayed to Him for food.
When prayer was done, the eldest child,
A boy of eight years old,
Said, softly, “In the Holy Book,
Dear mother, we are told
How God, with food by ravens brought,
Supplied His prophet’s need.”
“Yes,” answered she, “but that, my son,
Was long ago, indeed.”
“But mother, God may do again
What He has done before;
And so, to let the bird fly in,
I will unclose the door.”
Then little Dirk, in simple faith,
Threw ope the door full wide,
So that the radiance of their lamp
Fell on the path outside.
Ere long the burgomaster passed,
And, noticing the light,
Paused to inquire why thus the door
Was open so at night.
“My little Dirk has done it, sir,”
The widow, smiling, said,
“That ravens might fly in and bring
My hungry children bread.”
“Indeed!” the burgomaster cried,
“Then here’s a raven, lad,
Come to my home, and you shall see
Where bread may soon be had.”
Along the street to his own house
He quickly led the boy,
And sent him back with food that filled
His humble home with joy.
The supper ended, little Dirk
Went to the open door,
Looked up, and said, “We thank Thee, Lord,”
Then shut it fast once more.
For, though no bird had entered in,
He knew that God on high
Had hearkened to his mother’s prayer,
And sent this full supply.
ML 02/11/1906