  “Our children.” Oft we hear these words, Yet none but parents know How deep they thrill the parent’s heart. The oceans ebb and flow; You stand upon the shores and see The shining billows roll; ’Twould be another thing to have The oceans in your soul; To hear their music fill your heart, Telling of hidden goal; To feel the rush of every wave, And have the vast control. You watch the stars, the fadeless stars That glitter on their way; Yet if you had them all in charge, To keep them night and day, O then your glorious retinue, Your starry host so bright, Would be outweighed by one of these: Our children of delight, Nor the care these loved ones want, To guide their thoughts aright, That they may find the shining shore, “Our children.” O these priceless words Wake all life’s hidden springs; Strike all the chords of hope and joy: New thoughts spread trembling wings; Fears whisper, and emotions weep, While Hope lights up the tears That oft baptize, like dewy spray, Our darlings. May their years Be filled with Wisdom’s holy light, And sweet with holy cheer; And may their brows be crowned with love, Pure as the angels wear. Our precious children! How we toil To gather joys for them; To shield them from the wintry blast: What chilling tides we stem, And when at last we sink in death, God shield each darling one, And keep them all in Virtue’s path; The Tempter’s smile to shun; Redeemed from sin, made pure and wise, For that glad home above the skies. endpaper divider Transcriber’s Note: Seemingly inconsistent indentation was retained as printed. |
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