The Doorway of the Old Home by Margaret E. Sangster, Jr.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jun 3, 1915

The Doorway of the Old Home

By Margaret E. Sangster, Jr.

THE doorway of the old home Is stained with age, and small; And in the early twilight, When purple shadows fall Across the little doorstep, My half-shut eyes can see A row of clear-cut visions, That stand and smile at me.

The doorway of the old home Has often opened wide For schoolgirl and for student, For mother and for bride; And soldier feet have traveled, While eyes were dim with pain, Across the narrow threshold, That ne'er came back again.

The doorway of the old home Has heard love's stories told; Has seen the splendid autumn Of people growing old. And baby hands have fumbled At lock and heavy key; And feeble arms stretched from it To children out at sea.

The doorway of the old home Is stained with age, and small; And yet in glowing summer, In winter, and in fall, It gives a cheery welcome, And knowing eyes may see The row of clear-cut visions That stand and smile at me.

— Margaret E. Sangster, Jr., in the Christian Herald.