The Home Circle by Independent

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 15, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 19.

The Home Circle.

By Independent

CRYING FOR THE MOON.

In the nurse's arms one night, In the balmy month of June, Lay a baby, spent and tired With crying for the moon. And so softly we smiled, Said, "Poor, silly little child! He'll know better soon."

Vainly had he tried to leap Up toward the glowing sky, And because kind love restrained He could only fret and cry; And we said, and proudly smiled, "He'll know better, silly child! Better, by-and-by."

Will he? Please to tell me when; I don't think it will be soon. If he's like most other men He will always want the moon. As a boy, he'll want the toys And ponies of far richer boys; These will be his moon.

As a youth, be in distress For some beauty rich and fair, For some furniture or dress, For some toy he counteth rare. And far older men will say, "He'll grow wiser every day; Wiser, unaware."

As a man, he'll sigh for wealth, Long for power, hope for fame; And because he gets them not, Idly murmur, wrongly blame, Crying still for some great boon Far above him as the moon; Babe and man the same.

Oh, 'tis well some mighty arm Is around us everywhere. Many a fall we all should have But for that strong, loving care; For life has no greater boon Than the love that whispers "No," And that will not let us go When crying for the moon.

—Independent.