Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BABY'S TURN, by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BABY'S TURN, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tiny feet so busy in a tiny patter out of sight
Last Line: Did she think she was forgotten? Now 'tis baby's turn once more.
Subject(s): Babies; Infants


TINY feet so busy in a tiny patter out of sight, Little hands escaping from
protecting doily white,
One in lifted eagerness, and one that grasps the baby chair, --
All impatience! Baby darling, must not sister have a share?

Only just a moment, deary, coming, coming! don't be vexed!
Only just a moment, darling, then we'll see whose turn is next!
Ah, she knows as well as we do! Baby's turn is come at last;
Now the little mouth may open; gently, gently, not too fast!

Baby's turn! To-day 'tis only for the fruit so nice and sweet,
But a far-away to-morrow hastens on with silent feet;
When the yesterdays of life are clearest in our dimming gaze,
Baby's vision will be filled with brightly realized to-days.

Baby's turn for fair unfolding in the sunny girlhood time,
For the blossom and the breezes, for the carol and the chime;
Baby's turn to wear the crown of womanhood upon her brow,
Heavier but nobler than the fairy gold which glitters now.

Baby's turn to care for others, and to kiss away the tear,
For the joy of ministration to the suffering or the dear,
For the happiness of giving help and comfort, love and life,
Whether walking all alone, or as a blessed and blessing wife.

Baby's turn for this and more -- if God should give her length of days, --
For the calmness of experience and the retrospect of praise,
For the silver trace of sorrows glistening in the sunset ray,
For the evening stillness falling on the turmoil of the day.

What though Baby's turn may come for bitter griefs and wearing fears!
Love shall lighten every trial, -- love that prays and love that hears.
See! she watches and she wonders till the reverie is o'er;
Did she think she was forgotten? Now 'tis baby's turn once more.





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