HOW strange this world in which we live,

Where many hurtle, now to give

Their children presents by the ton.

But really is there anyone

Who spares a thought for lives unplanned,

Extinguished by a surgeon's hand,

A million times by fifty five,

In God's mem'ry -- still alive?

Had Father Time moved on the clock,

They never would have heard the knock

On death's door, so long ago,

Or yesterday for all we know.

So when you wake on Christmas morn,

With family, gifts and tree adorned,

Remember, midst this happy scene,

The children who have never been.

Ms R Page, Kingsmede, Blackpool.