Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE HAPPY HOUR by MARY FRANCES MARSHALL BUTTS

First Line: THE BUSY DAY IS OVER
Last Line: WITH A BABY ON HER BREAST.
Subject(s): CHILDREN; MOTHERS; CHILDHOOD;

THE busy day is over,
The household work is done;
The cares that fret the morning
Have faded with the sun;
And in the tender twilight,
I sit in happy rest,
With my precious rosy baby
Asleep upon my breast.
White lids with silken fringes,
Shut out the waning light;
A little hand close folded,
Holds mamma's fingers tight;
And in their soft white wrappings,
At last in perfect rest,
Two dainty feet are cuddled,
Like birdies in a nest.
All hopes and loves unworthy
Fade out at this sweet hour;
All pure and noble longings
Renew their holy power;
For Christ, who in the Virgin
Our motherhood has blest,
Is near to every woman
With a baby on her breast.



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