Classic Poem

I 've a letter from mother today, boys,
A letter of love untold,
Tho' t'was hard to read all the words, boys,
For the dear eyes are dim and old;
Ah! sometimes, boys, when I read, I fear
My eyes grow dim, for I felt the tears
Springing up like rain from the words so clear,
For she said, she said she was praying for me.
Mother said she was praying for me, boys,
She said that she loved me still,
And she asked was I true to my words, boys,
All my promises to fulfill;
I promised, boys, when I said good-by,
I'd try to meet her beyond the sky;—
But I have been tho'tless to make her cry—
Oh, my son, my son, I am praying for you.
You may choose as you will for yourselves, boys,
For come whatsoever may,
For my mother's dear sake I vow, boys,
To begin life anew to-day;
Join with me, boys, you 've a mother, too;
As mine loves me, even yours loves you;
Let us turn the page, blotted and untrue!
Will you come? your mother is praying for you.

Praying for me, mother's praying for me,
When I 'd almost forgotten her, too (ah, yes!)
To my promises I will be true, boys,
For she said she was praying for me, (for me).