Classic Poem

“A TELEGRAM ! God bless him!
My son has sent to say
That ere the evening's sunset
He 'll anchor in the bay.
They said the big sea-water,
When all was tempest-dark
And thunder walk'd the welkin,
Had swallow'd up his bark.

“I never thought to see him
Within his home again,
And mourn'd him much, as sleeping
Deep in the dreadful main;
But what a blessed message
Is lying on my board,
Brought by no bird, but thrill'd me
On the electric cord!

“Now smooth his snowy pillow,
And air his sleeping-place;
I cannot stay the waters
From running down my face.
O, bless the Lord who kept him
Amidst all false alarms!”
And soon the son and mother
Were in each other's arms.