POETRY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1856, 4 February 1880, Page 3

POETRY.

HOME AND FRIEBD. Come sit awhile with me, my boy, I'll not detain you longTo listen to an old man's words can surely do no wrong, For I've trod the way that you now tread and see the many snares* That lie concealed along your path to seize you unawares, I once was young like yon, my Bon —my curling locks of brown And bright blue eyes and fresh young face were talked of iu the town. And men and womeu flittered me and loaded me with praise, And not a cloud of sorrow crossed the sunshine of my days. But there was one among them all, the kindest and ttie best, Who waked me mornings with a kiss and sang me nights to rest; And often would I wake to find her kneeling by my b( d, Her claßped hands mingled with the locks that graced my youtnful head. 'When death came in and we were left with no one to provide, She daily toiled for both, and oh, how lovingly she tried To make our home so pleasant that the vices of the town Would ne'er allure her darling son and drag his manhood down. Alas I how could I disregard that mother's praytrs and tears ? How could I spurn her gentle words so early in my years ? I broke her heart—but when I stood beside her dying bed I, choked with grief, and kneeling, felt her hand upon my head. " Turn back, my son, " she faintly said, " regain the narrow way— Tou know we journeyed side by side for many a happy day, And then you left me, darling—Oh, retrace your steps and tread The better way"—she spoke no more—my best of friends was dead. My boy, cling close to mother, as you value future peace ; ' The day is not far distant when her care for you will cease, And when, if you have caused her grief, each relic you retain Of her who would have died for you, will only give you pain. Yes, tread the path that mother treads, and when she drops to rest Keep straight ahead, a pure, stout heart low beating in thy breast; Though wealth should grace thee with her smile and even fame be thine, Be ever strong enough to say, " My mother's path is mine I *'