Classic Poem

All their heads were bowed in prayer, —
Father's, mother's, boys' and girls',
Grandma's, grandpa's — only Nelly,
Little Nelly, shook her curls.

Little Nelly shook her curls,
Smiling, gazing, all intent,
Stared, as ever, at the sight —
Wondered what on earth it meant.

Busy fire-light, flashing bright,
Shot its frisky flamelets out;
While the ship above the clock
Gayly tossed and pitched about.

Roasted turkey, on his back,
And the chickens, side by side,
Had a perky, pompous air,
Full of jollity and pride;

Tempting pies and puddings near,
Held their faces to the light;
While canary in his cage,
Piped and sang with all his might.

Flowery carpet under-foot,
Hanging basket all a-bloom,
Pearly, picture-covered wall —
Drew the sunlight to the room.

Little Nelly felt it all,
Felt how bright it was and fair;
And the moment seemed so long
That the heads were bowed in prayer.

If they only knew, she thought,
How the room was full of play,
They would never hide their faces
In that sober, solemn way.

Laughing, puzzled, little Nell!
How could such a baby know
'T was the cheery, sunny gladness
That had bowed their heads so low;

That the blithesome, happy home-life,
Birdie singing on the wall,
And the laughing little mischief,
Made them thank the God of all.

T HERE'S a ship on the sea. It is sailing to-night,
Sailing to-night!
And father 's aboard, and the moon is all bright,
Shining and bright!
Dear moon! he 'll be sailing for many a night —
Sailing from mother and me.
Oh! follow the ship with your silvery light,
As father sails over the sea!