The Family Circle

New Zealand Tablet, 16 September 1909, Page 1477

The Family Circle

MOTHER'S GONE A-VISITING

The house seems sort of empty now Since mother went away; Our voices have a hollow sound, We mope around all day. The sun don't seem to shine so bright, The home has lost its charm; The tables bear a martyred air, But Gilead has no balm. For mother's gone a-visiting — Don't know how long she'll stay, But nothing seen|s to go just right Since mother went away. The clock ticks solemnly and slow, The empty windows stare, The house seems filled with loneliness Since mother isn't there. Her empty chair deserted stands Reproachfully and still — I wonder was I ever gay? The mere thought makes me ill. For mother's gone a-visiting, Yes, mother's gone away. And nothing goes exactly right — And won't while she's away. I did not know the blessed cheer Her loving presence gave, I did not realise how drear Life could be, nor how brave I'll need to be if ever she Shall go and not return. As time goes by I find that I Have yet a lot to learn, And when she goes a-visiting Across the ' narrow way ' — Oh, may I not be left behind When mother goes away!