Poetry. The Children we Keep.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1812, 16 February 1884, Page 1 (Supplement)

Poetry. The Children we Keep.

iLThe children kept eonm^, one by one, pTill tho boys were five and the giils weic &■ three, And the big brown huw v.n ahvo with fun, Prom the basement lloox to the old roof tree. Like garden floweis the little on <> grew, Nurtured and trained with the tendered care; Warmed by love'? sunshine, bathed in if-> dew, Th<>y bloomed into brauty like roses rare. But one of the boys grew weaiy one day, ; And leaning his head on his mother's breast, f He said, " I'm tired, and caie not to play ; Let me sit awhile oh your knee and rest." She cradled him close in her fond embiaco, She hushed him to sleep with her pweek j st song, And rapturous love still lighted hn face When his spirit had joined the heavenly throng. Then the eldest girl with her thoughtful cj"% Who stood " whae the brook— the nvu meets," hStole softly away into Paiacli'-e, 'Ere "the river " had leached her slender feet. While the father's eyes on their graves are be The .nother looked upwaid beyond the ski< s, ' Our treasures," the whisuered, " weie only lent ; Our darlings were angels in cauh'<3 disguise." The years flew by and the chilchen began s'With longing to think of the world outside ; £,And as each in his turn became a man, *' The boys proudly went from the father's side. The girls were women so gentle and fair, That lovers were speedy to woo and win : And with orange blorsoms in bi aided hair % The old home was left, new homes to begin. So, one by one, the childien have gone — - The boys were five and the giils were three ; And the big brown house is gloomy and lone, With but two old folks for its company. They talk to each other about the past, As they sit together at eventide, And say, " All the children we keep at last Are the boys and giils who in childhood died." ' ' /• ' — Bmlinpton Hau leye. J