A Prayer For Jimmy Banks

Dear Lord, excuse Jim Banks and me For hitting Aunty Griggs when we Threw snowballs at the cat, because We did not know where Aunty was!

Jim Banks and me are sorry, Lord, For, drawing Teacher on the board, And after what we got, we do Not need more punishment from you!

Excuse Jim Banks especially, Because his mother’s dead and he Just heard of you the other day And is too bashful yet to pray!

But you would like him if you knew Jim Banks as well as we all do. And if you have some clothes to spare Remember him, for he’s quite bare!

He says old shoes will help him some, And some worn pants; and he will come Most any night, but where he stays He earns his keep by working days!

And if there is an angel there Who might like him and you can spare, Would you mind telling this to him And see what he can do for Jim?

And Jimmy’s hat is straw and old, You know the weather’s pretty cold, And Jimmy’s ears stick out into The weather, and his nose gets blue!

Dear Lord, please do the very best You can for him! I’ve got a vest And sweater on the closet shelf That I am going to give myself!

And beg your pardon, Lord, and pray My soul to keep; and Jimmy may Be President some day, and then We’ll all be proud of him. Amen!