IN AFTER YEARS.


 


 


THE hand that lies upon your brow,


And fondly clasps your own;


The smiles that greet you gently now,


The voice of kindly tone;


The patient heart, eager to please,


To soothe away your tears—


Dear childhood! You will think of these


In after years!


The fairy-land of youthful joy


Soon vanishes from sight,


And time will many a dream destroy


That dazzles with delight!


What can replace a mother's kiss—


The love that hushed your fears?


Ah, Childhood! You will think of this


In after years!


Ambition's proud and fiery race


May win the heart awhile;


We never can forget one face,


One pure and hallowed smile!


God grant we may not, while we rove,


Look back, 'mid blinding tears,


Upon a mother's slighted love—


In after years!


 


 


George Cooper