Main Street, and Other Poems

<h2> Gates and Doors </h2> <h3> (For Richardson Little Wright) </h3> <p>There was a gentle hostler<br/> (And blessed be his name!)<br/> He opened up the stable<br/> The night Our Lady came.<br/> Our Lady and Saint Joseph,<br/> He gave them food and bed,<br/> And Jesus Christ has given him<br/> A glory round his head.<br/> <br/> So let the gate swing open<br/> However poor the yard,<br/> Lest weary people visit you<br/> And find their passage barred;<br/> Unlatch the door at midnight<br/> And let your lantern's glow<br/> Shine out to guide the traveler's feet<br/> To you across the snow.<br/> <br/> There was a courteous hostler<br/> (He is in Heaven to-night)<br/> He held Our Lady's bridle<br/> And helped her to alight;<br/> He spread clean straw before her<br/> Whereon she might lie down,<br/> And Jesus Christ has given him<br/> An everlasting crown.<br/> <br/> Unlock the door this evening<br/> And let your gate swing wide,<br/> Let all who ask for shelter<br/> Come speedily inside.<br/> What if your yard be narrow?<br/> What if your house be small?<br/> There is a Guest is coming<br/> Will glorify it all.<br/> <br/> There was a joyous hostler<br/> Who knelt on Christmas morn<br/> Beside the radiant manger<br/> Wherein his Lord was born.<br/> His heart was full of laughter,<br/> His soul was full of bliss<br/> When Jesus, on His Mother's lap,<br/> Gave him His hand to kiss.<br/> <br/> Unbar your heart this evening<br/> And keep no stranger out,<br/> Take from your soul's great portal<br/> The barrier of doubt.<br/> To humble folk and weary<br/> Give hearty welcoming,<br/> Your breast shall be to-morrow<br/> The cradle of a King.<br/></p> <p><SPAN name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"></SPAN></p> <br/> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />