TO-DAY my tall broad-shouldered lad, With such a grave, protective mien, I watched with eyes grown strangely sad, Though proud these mother-eyes had been,-- For brave and bonny seventeen Is not a saddening sight to see, Yet I have lost, long years between, My little boy that used to be! How well-remembered and how glad That hour when happier than a queen A rosy infant son I had, When all the singing world was green; With what deep gratitude serene I welcomed my maternity-- He was the sweetest ever seen-- My little boy that used to be! I see him now in velvet clad-- And just a trifle vain, I ween,-- Showing his new suit to his "dad," As male birds their fine feathers preen. His curls had such a golden sheen, And by his crib on bended knee I'd pray God's love from harm would screen My little boy that used to be! ENVOY O son upon whose strength I lean, Be very patient, dear, with me, For mothers miss with anguish keen The little boy that used to be! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE DARK HOUSE by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON TO A YOUNG BEAUTY by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS GO SLEEP, MA HONEY by EDWARD D. BARKER THIS I REMEMBER by ELISABETH CHANNING ALLEN ON THE SINKING OF THE VICTORIA by THOMAS EDWARD BROWN |