Poems (Toke)/Birthday sonnet

by Emma Toke

BIRTHDAY SONNET.

ELOVED in youth, and still as each brief year
 Of wedded bliss too swiftly passes o'er,
 With every added blessing loved still more,
With every sorrow only proved more dear.
No marvel, that with mingling smile and tear
 I greet the morning of thy natal day,
And vainly strive to breathe upon thine ear
 The countless blessings that for thee I pray.
Three loved ones too, the last a new-blown flower,
 Now press around, thy fond embrace to share,
And hail with childish glee this joyful hour,
 To them unclouded by one thought or care.
O that God's choicest gifts on them and thee
May ever rest for time, and for eternity!

E.

October 6, 1842.