EVENING was falling, cold and dark, And people hurried along the way As if they were longing soon to mark Their own home candle's cheering ray. Before me toiled in the whirling wind A woman with bundles great and small, And after her tugged, a step behind, The Bundle she loved the best of all. A dear little roly-poly boy With rosy cheeks, and a jacket blue, Laughing and chattering full of joy, And here's what he said--I tell you true: "You're the goodest mother that ever was." A voice as clear as a forest bird's; And I'm sure the glad young heart had cause To utter the sweet of the lovely words. Perhaps the woman had worked all day Washing or scrubbing; perhaps she sewed; I knew, by her weary footfall's way, That life for her was an uphill road. But here was a comfort. Children dear, Think what a comfort you might give To the very best friend you can have here, The lady fair in whose house you live, If once in a while you'd stop and say,-- In task or play for a moment pause, And tell her in sweet and winning way, "You're the GOODEST mother that ever was." | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...COVERING WINGS by KATHERINE MANSFIELD FAITH by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE SEASONS by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON AQUATINT FRAMED IN GOLD by AMY LOWELL HOW THE GREAT GUEST CAME by EDWIN MARKHAM DOMESDAY BOOK: ALMA BELL TO THE CORONER by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |