Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE MOTHER'S SACRIFICE, by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE MOTHER'S SACRIFICE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: What shall I render thee, father supreme
Last Line: Like abraham's faith, was counted righteousness.
Variant Title(s): The Cheerful Giver
Subject(s): Mothers; Sacrifices


"God loveth a cheerful giver."

"WHAT shall I render Thee, Father Supreme,
For thy rich gifts, and this the best of all?"
Said a young mother, as she fondly watch'd
Her sleeping babe.
There was an answering voice,
That night, in dreams.
"Thou hast a tender flower
Wrapt in thy breast, and fed with dews of love.
Give me that flower. Such flowers there are in heaven."

-- But there was silence. Yea, a hush so deep,
Breathless and terror-stricken, that the lip
Blanch'd in its trance.
"Thou hast a little harp,
How sweetly would it swell the angel's song.
Lend me that harp."
Then burst a shuddering sob,
As if the bosom by some hidden sword
Was cleft in twain
Morn came. A blight had found
The crimson velvet of the unfolding bud,
The harp-strings rang a thrilling strain and broke,
And that young mother lay upon the earth
In childless agony.
Again the voice
That stirr'd her vision.
"He, who asked of thee,
Loveth a cheerful giver."
So she rais'd
Her gushing eye, and ere the tear-drop dried
Upon its fringes, smiled.
Doubt not that smile,
Like Abraham's faith, was counted righteousness.





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