There was a voice in the wilderness,
An eerie, heart-rending, dismal sound.
'Twas Elfie the elf, and he'd gotten lost.
All he could see was snow and frost.

He's Santa's helper this Christmas Eve.
Somehow he hadn't seen the sleigh leave.
There were many elf helpers and reindeer,
So he hadn't been missed, that was clear.

They'd done their work, delivered the goods.
Then it was back to North Pole's neighbourhood.
Elf didn't know these streets or what to do,
So he started to sing to help him through.

Elfie was an elf who loved to sing
And would always sing most anything.
Truth was, his voice came out as a croak.
You'd think he'd gotten a frog in his throat.

He made folk laugh; they thought him a clown.
Elfie never let that get him down.
He had a heart that was made of gold,
Would help anyone, young or the old.

Now it was Elfie in need of help,
So he began singing his heart out.
He chose the carol "O Holy Night"
As Jesus was being born tonight.

Someone was out there shoveling snow.
He heard the voice and his heart was aglow.
Spotting Elfie, he ran to his aid;
In that moment, magic was made.

The helper took Elfie in, gave him food
And offered a warm bed he could use.
Elfie was grateful and got some sleep
After praying for this stranger's keep.

Christmas morning Elfie got a surprise.
Santa and his reindeer had arrived.
They'd heard him singing from far away,
And all became well for Christmas Day.

Beryl L Edmonds.