Poems (Smith)/My Birthday

by Martha A. Smith

MY BIRTHDAY.

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I've lived to see another birthday,
And would here on these pages say
A few kind words in a pleasant way
          From mother.

That you'll not forget, as years roll round,
When hope and love with you abound,
While sleeping 'neath a grassy mound,
          Thy mother.

In one little corner of thy heart
Let memory ever hold a part
Of kind and gentle, tender thought
          Of mother.

Oft in hours of silent thought,
Love for thee no money bought
Exalts and thrills the loving heart
          Of mother.

Then when this world recedes from view,
And I have said the last adieu,
May nought but love then dwell in you
          For mother.

I would not have you sadly weep
When I am lying in death's sleep,
There my own true vigils keep,
          Thy mother.

Let tender thoughts of love arise
When I am gone beyond the skies,
There still may live in other eyes
          Thy mother.

Another birthday should I ne'er see,
Remember this all given to thee.
And ever kindly think of me,
          Thy mother.

With cold hands folded o'er the breast,
And passed away to peaceful rest
One that oft has' fondly thee caress'd,
          Thy mother.

When you shall say your last good-bye,
You'll think of me when called to die,
Who oft for you has breathed a sigh,
          Thy mother.

Farewell, my darlings, one and all,
I pray no harm may you befall
Until you come, at God's last call,
          To mother.