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OUR MARJORIE
When your wee head lies heavy on dad's arm, And eyes with all the mischief gone away Look listless up, dad feels a wild alarm, And all the prayers his lips can frame and say, All torrent like, speed upward to the throne; Prayers for your speedy weal, the old sweet smile! Oh, you have filled my heart so full, my own! And you have been here such a little while!
I sit and hold your playthings, yes I do, And sadly think of games we used to play; Of how you laughed when we played peek-a-boo-- And just to think, all this was yesterday! And now we walk on tiptoe to and fro And on our knees drop down beside your cot; And you-you look with eyes that do not know, And your pale brow does fright us 'tis so hot.
Last night I , walked with you, my Marjorie, Clasped in my arms, your cheek against my own, And, oh, my baby girl! 'sweet soul of me! My heartstrings writhed beneath your plaintive moan! I know, my little girl, you wondered why That dad, who held you close, who loves you so, Could bear to hear your plaintive little cry And would not ease your pain! You cannot know!
You cannot know, nor guess, what dad would do— Two hearts, two souls, are wrapped up in your weal! Oh, give us yesterday and peek-a-boo!-- If tears could ease the pain your wee limbs feel Then had your first wee cry brought quick relief; Our ready-gushing tears brought back again The smiles of erst! our love engendered grief Had soothed your fevered brow and eased your pain.
And now I hold your playthings in my hands- Your rubber doll and cat, your bouncing ball- And something grips my heart with crushing bands Until my eyes are blurred and teardrops fall. That dad is so impotent, Marjorie, Does give him greater grief than has known! Ah, life and all, dear child, he’d give for thee! Would God that dad could make your pains his own.
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