Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO A CHILD, by FRANK PUTNAM


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO A CHILD, by                    
First Line: The years stretch far above thee
Last Line: His work will not forget.
Subject(s): Children; Fathers; Hope; Time; Youth; Childhood; Optimism


THE years stretch far above thee,
Thy past is but a day;
Fair skies of Hope spread o'er thee,
Love watches by the way.

As closely now I hold thee,
Safe in father's arms,
So may my prayers enfold thee
Ever through life's alarms.

The tasks of duty call thee, —
Youth has not long to dream;
In whatsoe'er befall thee
Be thou the man thou seem.

Hypocrisy will try thee
With promises that shine,
But keep thy honor by thee
And happiness is thine.

The gauds of life may pass thee
And lowly be thy lot;
The pen of Time may class thee
With mortals soon forgot;

Grim toil may long enslave thee
Ere Nature claims her debt,
But He, thy God, who gave thee
His work will not forget.





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