The Dear Folks in Devon

Back in the dear old country 'tis Christ- mas, and to-night     I'm thinking of the mistletoe and holly berries bright.     The smoke above our chimbley pots I'd dearly love to see,     And those dear folks down in Devon, how they'll talk and think of me.     Owd Ben'll bring the letters, Christmas morn, and if there's one     As comes across from Canada straight from their absent son,     My Mother's hands'll tremble, and my Dad'll likely say:     "Don't seem like Christmas time no more, with our dear lad away."     I can see 'em carve the Christmas beef, and Brother Jimmy's wife     Will say her never tasted such, no, not in all her life.     And Sister Martha's Christmas pies melt in your mouth, 'tis true,     But 'twas Mother made the puddin', as mothers always do!     Ah me! If I could just have wings, and in the dimsey light     Go stealing up the cobbled path this lonesome Christmas night,     Lift up the latch with gentle hand -- My! What a shout there'd be!     From those dear folks down in Devon! What a welcomin' for me!