Montgomery County Sentinel

Poetical.

A Brown Hand and a Strong Hand.

BY LILLIE E. BARR.

A brown hand and a strong hand,

A hand that can drive the plow,

Can sow the land, can reap the land,

Can manage and milk a cow,

Can wield the axe the whole day long,

Can handle the scythe and rake;

A brown hand and a strong hand

To work for Love's dear sake.

A brown hand and a strong hand

A hand that will never shirk

Crank or pulley or wheel-band,

Grimy or dangerous work;

A hand that can use the hammer,

Can handle the chain and brake;

A brown hand and a hard palm

To work for Love's dear sake.

A firm hand and a strong hand,

To hold the guiding rein,

A hand with a grip and muscle,

That nothing can tire or strain;

A lean hand, a working hand,

A hand that is good to take;

A hand that is never weary;

Working for Love's dear sake.

A little hand, a brown hand,

That can sweep, and dust, and clean;

A brown hand with a golden band

Running a sewing machine;

A little hand, a brown hand,

That can wash, and cook and bake,

A clever hand, a kind hand,

Busy for Love's dear sake.

The big hand and the strong hand

Is stronger still if it take

The small hand and the brown hand,

So busy for Love's dear sake,

Then a strong clasp, a long clasp,

Till nothing on earth can part

The little hand and the large hand,

Joined by a loving heart.