When Papa Comes Home at Night
By Percy F. Bicknell
How the children's faces brighten,
How they drop their toys and books,
How the mother's burdens lighten,
How expectant each one looks,
How the youngsters run to meet him,
How they shout in their delight,
How they throng to kiss and greet him—
When papa comes home at night! How all troubles seem to vanish,
How all little quarrels cease,
How he seems all gloom to banish,
How he brings in joy and peace,
How his smile smooths every wrinkle,
How he sets all wrong aright,
How he unkinks every crinkle—
When papa comes home at night! Blest, ah, blest beyond all speaking
Is that happy family
With a loving father seeking
To preserve it trouble-free.
Let no harm, we pray, come near him—
Sudden death—untimely blight;
But long may his children cheer him—
When papa comes home at night!