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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
ON A SEVENTEENTH BIRTHDAY, by ANNE P. L. FIELD
First Line: Today my tall broad-shouldered lad
Last Line: The little boy that used to be!
Subject(s): Mothers
First Line: Today my tall broad-shouldered lad
Last Line: The little boy that used to be!
Subject(s): Mothers
TO-DAY my tall broad-shouldered lad,
With such a grave, protective mien,
I watched with eyes grown strangely sad,
Though proud these mother-eyes had been,--
For brave and bonny seventeen
Is not a saddening sight to see,
Yet I have lost, long years between,
My little boy that used to be!
How well-remembered and how glad
That hour when happier than a queen
A rosy infant son I had,
When all the singing world was green;
With what deep gratitude serene
I welcomed my maternity--
He was the sweetest ever seen--
My little boy that used to be!
I see him now in velvet clad--
And just a trifle vain, I ween,--
Showing his new suit to his "dad,"
As male birds their fine feathers preen.
His curls had such a golden sheen,
And by his crib on bended knee
I'd pray God's love from harm would screen
My little boy that used to be!
ENVOY
O son upon whose strength I lean,
Be very patient, dear, with me,
For mothers miss with anguish keen
The little boy that used to be!
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