GRANDMOTHER’S LESSON.

New Zealand Tablet, 6 March 1919, Page 45

GRANDMOTHER’S LESSON.

The supper is over, the hearth is swept. And in the wood fire’s glow The children cluster to hear a tale Of that time so long ago. “Life 'is a stocking,” grandma says, And yours is just begun; But I am knitting the toe of mine. And my work is almost done. “With merry hearts we begin to knit. And the ribbing is almost play ; Some are gay colored, and some are white, And some are ashen grey. “But most are made of many a hue. With many a stdtch set wrong. And many a row be sadly ripped Ere the whole be fair and strong. “There are long plain spaces without a break That in youth are hard to bear, And many a weary tear is dropped As we fashion the heel with care. “But the saddest, happiest time is that We court, and yet would shun, When our Heavenly Father breaks the thread. And says that our work is done.” The children come to say “Good-night,” With tears in their bright young eyes. While in grandma’s lap with broken thread, The finished stocking lies. Ellen Agnes Jewett.