"For I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." A CHILD'S smile -- nothing more; Quiet, and soft, and grave, and seldom seen; Like summer lightning o'er, Leaving the little face again serene. I think, boy well-beloved, Thine angel, who did grieve to see how far Thy childhood is removed From sports that dear to other children are, On this pale cheek has thrown The brightness of his countenance, and made A beauty like his own -- That, while we see it, we are half afraid, And marvel, will it stay? Or, long ere manhood, will that angel fair, Departing some sad day, Steal the child-smile and leave the shadow care? Nay, fear not. As is given Unto this child the father watching o'er, His angel up in heaven Beholds Our Father's face for evermore. And he will help him bear His burthen, as his father helps him now: So may he come to wear That happy child-smile on an old man's brow. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SOUL AND BODY by LASCELLES ABERCROMBIE THE MOTHER'S LAMENT by BERNARD BARTON ELEGY by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN A VALEDICTION by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING ASOLANDO: SPECULATIVE by ROBERT BROWNING LIE-AWAKE SONGS: 3 by AMELIA JOSEPHINE BURR ON CHURCH COMMUNION by JOHN BYROM DEDICATORY SONNET TO S. T. COLERIDGE by DAVID HARTLEY COLERIDGE |