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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A MAN-CHILD'S LULLABY by WILLIAM BRIAN HOOKER

First Line: LITTLE GROPING HANDS THAT MUST LEARN THE WEIGHT OF LABOUR
Last Line: NOW ... SLEEP.

Little groping hands that must learn the weight of labour,
Little eyes of wonder that must learn to weep;
Mother is thy life now: that shall be to-morrow --
Time enough for trouble -- time enough for sorrow --
Now ... sleep.

Little dumb lips that shall wake and make a woman,
Little blind heart that shall know the worst and best;
Mother is thy love now: that shall be hereafter --
Time enough for joy, and time enough for laughter --
Now ... rest.

Little rosy body, new-born of pain and beauty,
Little lonely soul new-risen from the deep;
Mother is thy world now, whole and satisfying --
Time enough for living -- time enough for dying --
Now ... sleep.



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