HAVE you a band of little ones, A husband kind and true, A cosey home in which to rest When daily tasks are through? Then envy not the rich, the great, Yours is a happier estate. No queen who proudly sits enthroned, Whose vassals come and go, Can ever feel the sweet content It is your lot to know. With sunny heads about your knee, Dear heart, how happy you should be! Oh, guide those little ones aright, With tender love and care; Their woes and troubles gently soothe, Their childish pleasures share. Your smile will make their faces bright; When you are kind their hearts are light. And do not heed the thorns that prick When roses strew the way; Enjoy the present blissful hour Ere it shall pass away, For all is fleeting here below; The circling years bring joy and woe. The tiny birdlings in the nest, When summer time has come, Will spread their wings and fly away To seek another home. Your lonely heart will sadly yearn, Their childhood days can ne'er return. And sorrow comes to each and all; A day, and who can tell? The bells that rang a merry peal May sound a funeral knell. Then count your blessings and rejoice With grateful heart and lifted voice. I would not bid you force the door To view some future day; The key in kindness is withheld— Your part to watch and pray. Be glad and sing, and leave the rest To Him who doeth all things best. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE ARCHITECT (1) by KAREN SWENSON FAREWELL TO MALTA by GEORGE GORDON BYRON MY YOUTH by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES ON AN INVITATION TO THE UNITED STATES by THOMAS HARDY OUR SOLDIERS' SANTIAGO SONG by DAVID GRAHAM ADEE SONNET by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH THREE PASTORAL ELEGIES: 3 by WILLIAM BASSE |