TheOnlyChild
Lesthemissotherchildren,lo!
Hisangelishisplayfellow.
Ariotousangeltwoyearsold,
Withwingsofroseandcurlsofgold.
Thereonthenurseryfloortogether
Theyplaywhenitisrainyweather,
Buildingbrickcastleswithmuchpain,
Onlytoknockthemdownagain.
Twogoldenheadstogetherlook
Anhourlongo'erapicture-book,
Or,tiredofbeinggoodandstill,
Theyplayathorseswithgoodwill.
Andwhentheboylaughsyoushallhear
Anotherlaughtersilver-clear,
Sweeterthanmusicoftheskies,
Orharps,orbirdsofParadise.
Twogoldenheadsonepillowpress,
Tworosebudsshutforheaviness.
Thewingsofoneareroundtheother
Lestchillbefallhistenderbrother.
Allday,withforethoughtmildandgrave,
Thelittleangel'squicktosave.
Andstilloutrunswithtenderhaste
Theadventurousfeetthatgotoofast.
Fromdraughts,fromfire,fromcoldandstings
Wrapshimwithinhisgauzywings;
Andknowshisfather'spride,andshares
Hishappymother'stearsandprayers