Classic Poem

Oh, to come home once more, when the dusk is falling,
— To see the nursery lighted and the children's table spread;
" Mother, mother, mother! " the eager voices calling,
— " The baby was so sleepy that he had to go to bed! "

Oh, to come home once more, and see the smiling faces,
— Dark head, bright head, clustered at the pane;
Much the years have taken, when the heart its path retraces,
— But until time is not for me, the image will remain.

Men and women now they are, standing straight and steady,
— Grave heart, gay heart, fit for life's emprise;
Shoulder set to shoulder, how should they be but ready!
— The future shines before them with the light of their own eyes.

Still each answers to my call; no good has been denied me,
— My burdens have been fitted to the little strength that's mine,
Beauty, pride and peace have walked by day beside me,
— The evening closes gently in, and how can I repine?

But oh, to see once more, when the early dusk is falling,
— The nursery windows glowing and the children's table spread;
" Mother, mother, mother! " the high child-voices calling,
— " He couldn't stay awake for you, he had to go to bed! "