Essex County Herald

Papa's Letter,
I was sitting in my study.
Writing letters, when I heard,
"Please, dear mamma, Mary told me
Mamma musn't be disturbed.
" But I'm tired of the kitty ;
Want some other thing to do,
Writing letters, is you, mamma ?
Can't I write a letter, too?"
"Not now, darling, mamma's busy;
Run and play with kitty now."
"No. no. mamma, me write letters—
Can if you will show me how."
I would paint my darling's portrait.
As his sweet eyes searched my face—
Hair of gold and eyes of azure,
Form of childish, witching grace.
But the eager face was clouded.
As I slowly shook my head,
Till I said. " I'll make a letter
Of you, darling boy, instead."
So I parted back the tresses
From his forehead high and white.
And a stamp in sport I pasted
Mid its waves of golden light.
Then I said, " Now, little letter,
Go away and bear good news ;'
And I smiled as down the staircase
Clattered loud the little shoes.
Leaving me, the darling hurried
Down to Mary in his glee ;
" Mamma's writing lots of letters—
I'm a letter, Mary-see!"
No one heard the little prattler
As once more he climbed the stair.
Reached the little cap and tippet,
Standing on the entry stair;
No one heard the front door open,
No one saw the golden hair
As it floated o'er his shoulders
In the crisp October air.
Down the street the baby hastened,
Till he reached the office door :
"I'm a letter, Mr. Postman;
Is there room for any more ?"
" 'Cause dis letter's doin'to papa;
Papa lives with God, you know,
Mamma sent me for a letter ;
Does you think that I can go?"
But the clerk in wonder answered:
" Not to-day, my little man."
"Den I'll find anozzer office;
'Cause I must go if I can."
Fain the clerk would have detained him,
But the pleading face was gone,
And the little feet were hastening,
By the busy crowd swept on.
Suddenly the crowd was parted,
People fled to left and right.
As a pair of maddened horses
At this moment dashed in sight
No one saw the baby figure—
No one saw the golden hair,
Till a voice of frightened sweetness
Rang out on the autumn air.
"Twas too late—a moment only
Stood the beauteous vision there;
Then the little face lay lifeless,
Covered o'er with golden hair.
Reverently they raised my darling,
Brushed away the curls of gold
Saw the stamp upon the forehead,
Growing now so icy cold.
Not a mark the face disfigured,
Showing where the foot had trod;
But the little life was ended—
"Papa's letter" was with God.
—Burlington Hawkeye.