How many buttons are missing to-day?
Nobody knows, but mother.
How many playthings are strewn in her way?
Nobody knows, but mother.
How many thimbles and spools has she missed?
How many horns on each little fat fist?
How many bumps to be cuddled and kissed?
Nobody knows, but mother. How many muddy shoes all in a row?
Nobody knows, but mother.
How many stockings to darn, do you know?
Nobody knows, but mother.
How many little torn aprons to mend?
How many hours of toil must she spend?
What is the time when her day's work shall end?
Nobody knows, but mother. How many cares does a mother-heart know?
Nobody knows, but mother.
How many joys from her mother-love flow?
Nobody knows, but mother.
How many prayers by each little white bed?
How many tears for her babes has she shed?
How many kisses for each curly head?
Nobody knows, but mother.