p. 9 | THE BABY by Mrs. A. P. Jarvis

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 11, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 23.

THE BABY.

By Mrs. A. P. Jarvis

BY MRS. A. P. JARVIS.

Grasping at sunbeams and shadows, Hands outstretched for the moon; Heeding not snows of December, Heeding not roses of June; Clutching at all things illusive, Sobbing when shadows they prove; Hushed in the arms of its mother, Soothed by caresses of love.

Laughing, and cooing, and crying, Sweet as the heart of the rose; Trembling all over with mischief, From its head to its chubby wee toes; Filling our hearts with new sunshine, Cheering our wearisome way; Teaching us that the dark shadows Conceal the sun’s beautiful ray.

Blessing of heaven the dearest, Our hearts by thy smile are made glad; The touch of thy soft, dimpled fingers Has made us forget to be sad. In thy smile we are basking in sunshine, Thy prattle all gloom has beguiled; There’s nothing that’s nearer to heaven Than the innocent heart of a child.

—The Housekeeper.