Now that the dark evenings have arrived, it is time to draw
the curtains over and put on the electric fire to make the
room look warm and cosy. It is cold wet night so there is
no better place then to sit in a comfortable armchair with
my doggies lying by my feet on the floor beside me. I settled
down and opened a book and started to read the seasonal story
of Charles Dickens The Christmas Carol. On reading this I
remembered an article in a book about Charles Dickens that he
had rose from a humble background to become the most famous
successful writer of his time. In a comparatively short career
he achieved an astonishing output of novels, stories, plays
and essays, and yet, in the midst of the punishing work programme
he set himself, he was always ready to give time to help others.
A carpenter, John Overs, sent him some songs he had written.
Finding out Overs was self-educated and had a wife and children
to support, Dickens advised him against giving up his job for a
literary career. However, he also suggested that Overs send the
songs to "Tait's Magazine" in Edinburgh, Overs did so and they
were published. From then on, over the years Dickens often took
time in his own busy schedule to assist Overs with revisions of
his work, When Overs developed lung trouble, Dickens sent him to
his own doctor and helped to pay for the treatment. Afterwards,
he found him a light job in a theatre. Later, when Overs was
dying, Dickens arranged with a publisher to bring out a book of
Overs' collected poems and songs, and wrote an introduction to it,
which boosted the sales. After John Overs' death Dickens rallied
his friends to make sure that the widow was not left destitute and
that the children were provided for. Yes Charles Dickens was a
great writer, and he had a great heart certainly not like Ebenezer
scrooge.
Home comforts, A little taste of luxury,
A little bit of heaven;
Just you and me, a book, TV,
The clock at half past seven.
A bowl of fruit, a dish of sweets,
And music fills the room;
We've closed the curtains, locked the door----
On the outside doom and gloom
We've written all our letters
And friends have been and gone
We finished all our phone calls
Before the first star shone
Let others travel, dance and din,
Or seek a warmer shore
We have our taste of luxury
And ask for nothing more!
I hope you enjoy the rest
Don't forget to send your Comments
To return to HOME PAGE, Click on BACK button,
top-left corner of this page.
