TO MY MOTHER.

Otago Witness, Issue 1856, 17 June 1887, Page 34

TO MY MOTHER.

, ON, HER SIXTIETH BIETHDAY. Mother, when I am sixty years, , If heaven bequeaths me true Fond love of daughter— one who bears Jjove like my love for.yau — ' My heart in Quiet joy will own That though apart, I'm not alone. How often wheu you sit beside The hearth, my thoughts do come And hover round' you as you think ; 1 You wish that I were home. I am at home, my thoughts are there, While I am present in your prayer. Sixfcv long years your feet 1 have trod ' Life's changeful, checkered road, Your way now turns to bring your face Toward' the hills of <3od. Yet may the path' not end, c'en when The milestones are three score and ten. If storms and tempests did'o'ertake You as you journeyed on, Please God the evening.skies may show , That all the gloom has gone. And evening light your face will show Flushed with the golden sunset's glow. •' Age is a time of peace." Then calm Be your 'deaY heart, and still ; ' Hushed like the waves of old were hushed By One of loving yrlll. The muiic of such waves mußt bring A murmur of what angels sing: O, God go with you ! If to-night I could come home awhile And hear you talk, and see your face , < Lit up with welcome's smile 1 How many things I'd, have to tell ; All that was ill, all that is well. Peace on the home of many years ; Peace on the head of her Who took my little hands in hers ' And taught my infant's prayer ! Even the trees that shadow you ' < , Grew while your little children grew. And like their waving branches bend And sheltering foliage spread, , i While talking leaves each season breathe Their blessings o'er your head. So may your children's loving care Close round about you everywhere. — From your loving daughter, Alice.