Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A BELGIAN LULLABY by MARTHA S. GIELOW

First Line: LITTLE HUNGRY BABY - DO NOT CRY
Last Line: LITTLE SILENT BABY--SLEEP-A-BYE!

Little hungry baby--do not cry!
Little hungry baby--hush-a-bye!
Yes! I know, my child, there is no bread.
Yes, I know your father's murdered, dead!
And I know your brother is a "slave";
But a Belgian baby must be brave!
Little hungry baby--do not cry!
Little hungry baby--hush-a-bye!

Little starving baby--do not cry!
Little starving baby, hush-a-bye!
Yes! I know your painful, gnawing need,
Yes, I hear the starving thousands plead!
But I know America will send
Milk and food to succour e'er the end.
Little starving baby--do not cry!
Little starving baby--hush-a-bye!

Little famished baby--do not cry!
Little famished baby--must you die?
Did the ruthless Huns destroy the food
That was sent to save our baby brood?
Little dying baby--go to rest!
Sleep-a-bye, my baby, on my breast.
Little dying baby--do not cry!
Little dying baby, hush-a-bye!

Little silent baby--sleep-a-bye.
God above has heard your dying cry.
In His arms are little children blessed,
Woe to those who little ones oppressed!
Woe to those who would not mercy give!
Woe to those who would not let you live!
Little silent baby--sleep-a-bye!
Little silent baby--sleep-a-bye!



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