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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
LITTLE CHILDREN, by MARY J. REED
First Line: Speak gently to the little child
Last Line: The habitant of heaven!
Subject(s): Children; Childhood
First Line: Speak gently to the little child
Last Line: The habitant of heaven!
Subject(s): Children; Childhood
SPEAK gently to the little child,
So guileless and so free,
Who with a trustful, loving heart,
Puts confidence in thee.
Speak not the cold and careless words
Which time has taught so well,
Nor breathe one thought whose saddened tone
Despair might seem to tell.
If on his brow there rests a cloud,
However light it be,
Speak loving words, and let him feel
He has a friend in thee;
And do not send him from thy side
Till on his face shall rest
The joyous look and sunny smile,
That mark a happy breast.
Oh! teach him this should be his arm,
To cheer the aching heart
To strive where thickest darkness reigns
Some radiance to impart;
To spread a peaceful, quiet calm,
Where dwells the noise of strife,
Thus doing good, and blessing all,
To spend the whole of life.
To love with pure affection deep
All creatures, great and small,
And still a stronger love to bear
For Him who made them all
Remember 't is no common task
That thus to thee is given.
To rear a spirit fit to be
The habitant of Heaven!
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