Читать книгу Poems Teachers Ask For, Book Two - Various - Страница 48

I was sitting in my study,

Writing letters when I heard,

"Please, dear mamma, Mary told me

Mamma mustn't be 'isturbed.

"But I'se tired of the kitty,

Want some ozzer fing to do.

Witing letters, is 'ou, mamma?

Tan't I wite a letter too?"

"Not now, darling, mamma's busy;

Run and play with kitty, now."

"No, no, mamma, me wite letter;

Tan if 'ou will show me how."

I would paint my darling's portrait

As his sweet eyes searched my face—

Hair of gold and eyes of azure,

Form of childish, witching grace.

But the eager face was clouded,

As I slowly shook my head,

Till I said, "I'll make a letter

Of you, darling boy, instead."

So I parted back the tresses

From his forehead high and white,

And a stamp in sport I pasted

'Mid its waves of golden light.

Then I said, "Now, little letter,

Go away and bear good news."

And I smiled as down the staircase

Clattered loud the little shoes.

Leaving me, the darling hurried

Down to Mary in his glee,

"Mamma's witing lots of letters;

I'se a letter, Mary—see!"

No one heard the little prattler,

As once more he climbed the stair,

Reached his little cap and tippet,

Standing on the entry stair.

No one heard the front door open,

No one saw the golden hair,

As it floated o'er his shoulders

In the crisp October air.

Down the street the baby hastened

Till he reached the office door.

"I'se a letter, Mr. Postman;

Is there room for any more?

"'Cause dis letter's doin' to papa,

Papa lives with God, 'ou know,

Mamma sent me for a letter,

Does 'ou fink 'at I tan go?"

But the clerk in wonder answered,

"Not to-day, my little man."

"Den I'll find anozzer office,

'Cause I must go if I tan."

Fain the clerk would have detained him,

But the pleading face was gone,

And the little feet were hastening—

By the busy crowd swept on.

Suddenly the crowd was parted,

People fled to left and right,

As a pair of maddened horses

At the moment dashed in sight.

No one saw the baby figure—

No one saw the golden hair,

Till a voice of frightened sweetness

Rang out on the autumn air.

'Twas too late—a moment only

Stood the beauteous vision there,

Then the little face lay lifeless,

Covered o'er with golden hair.

Reverently they raised my darling,

Brushed away the curls of gold,

Saw the stamp upon the forehead,

Growing now so icy cold.

Not a mark the face disfigured,

Showing where a hoof had trod;

But the little life was ended—

"Papa's letter" was with God.