When Monica's young son had felt her kiss - Her weeping kiss - for years, her sorrow flowed At last into his wilful blood; he owed To her his after-life of truth and bliss: And her own joy, what words, what thoughts could paint! When o'er his soul, with sweet constraining force, Came Penitence - a fusion from remorse - And made her boy a glorious Christian saint. Oh ye, who tend the young through doubtful years Along the busy path from birth to death, Parents and friends! forget not in your fears The secret strength of prayer, the holy breath That swathes your darlings! think how Austin's faith Rose like a star upon his mother's tears! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ONLY OF THEE AND ME by LOUIS UNTERMEYER TALES OF A WAYSIDE INN: THE FIRST DAY: THE LEGEND OF RABBI BEN LEVY by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE BIGLOW PAPERS. 2D SERIES: 2. JONATHAN TO JOHN by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL ON THE PRAIRIE by HERBERT BATES OFF BARNEGAT by ETHEL LYNN BEERS |