LOVED HIS MOTHER

New Zealand Tablet, 31 July 1913, Page 61

LOVED HIS MOTHER

She sat in the porch in the sunshine, As 1 went down the street — - A woman whose hair was silver But whose face was blossom sweet, - Making me think of a garden, When in sprite, of the frost and snow Of bleak November weather, Late fragrant lilies blow; I heard a footstep behind me. And the sound of a merry laugh And I knew the heart it came from Would be like a comforting staff In the time and hour of trouble, Hopeful and brave and strong, One of the hearts to lean on, When we think all things go wrong. I turned at the click of the gate-latch, : And met his manly look; A face like his gives me pleasure, Like the page of a pleasant book. j It told of a steadfast purpose, Of a brave and daring will, A face, with a promise in it, That, God grant, the years fulfil. He went up the pathway singing, I saw the woman’s eyes Grow bright with a wordless welcome, As sunshine warms the skies. ‘ Back again, sweetheart mother,’ He cried, and bent to kiss The loving face uplifted i N For what some mothers miss. That boy will do to depend on, I know that this is true— From lads in love with their mothers Our harvest heroes grew. j Earth’s grandest hearts have been loving once ! Since time , and earth began And the boy who kisses his mother Is every inch a man.