Independent Statesman

A MOTHER'S LOVE

Some day,
When others braid your thick brown hair
And drape your form in silk and lace,
When others shall call you "dear" and "fair,"
And hold your hands and kiss your face,
You'll not forget that far above
All others is a mother's love.

Someday,
'Mong strangers in far distant lands,
In your new home beyond the sea,
When at your lips are baby hands,
And children playing at your knee—
O, then, as at your side they crow,
How I have loved you you will know.

Some day,
When you must feel love's heavy loss,
You will remember other years
When I, too, bent beneath the cross.
And mixed my memory with thy tears;
In such dark hours be not afraid;
Within their shadow I have prayed.

Some day,
Your daughter's voice, or smile, or eyes
My face will suddenly recall;
Then you will smile in sweet surprise,
And your soul unto mine will call
In that dear unforgotten prayer
Which we at evening used to share.

Some day,
A flower, a song, a word may be
A link between us strong and sweet;
Ah, then, dear child, remember me!
And let your heart to "mother" beat;
My love is with you everywhere—
You cannot go beyond my prayer.