They Two

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 18, 1902

THEY are left alone in the dear old home, After so many years When the house was full of frolic and fun, Of childish laughter and tears. They are left alone! they two—once more! Beginning life over again, Just as they did in the days of yore, Before they were nine or ten.

And the table is set for two these days; The children went one by one, Away from home on their separate ways, When the childhood days were done. How healthily hungry they used to be! What romping they used to do! And mother—for weeping—can hardly see To set the table for two.

They used to gather around the fire While some one would read aloud; But whether at study or work or play, 'Twas a loving and merry crowd. And now they are two that gather there At evening to read or sew, And it seems almost too much to bear When they think of the long ago.

Ah well! ah well! 'tis the way of the world! Children stay but a little while, And then into other scenes are whirled, Where other homes beguile. But it matters not how far they roam, Their hearts are fond and true, And there's never a home like the dear old home, Where the table is set for two. —Selected.