A Reed by the River/Mother
MOTHER
There came a day when cattle diedAnd every crop had failed beside,And not a dollar left to show.Then father said the place must go,And all of us, we hated so To go tell Mother.
Behind the barn, there we three stoodAnd wondered which one of us couldSpare her the most—'tis easily said,But we just looked and looked in dread At one another.
I spoke: "I'll trust to brother's tongue,"But Father said, "No, he's too young;I reckon I——"He gave a groan:."To know we've not a stick nor stone Will just kill Mother!
"Maybe a mortgage can be raised.Here all her father's cattle grazed;She loves each flower and leaf and bird—I'll mortgage ere I'll say one word To Mother!"
Upon his hands he bowed his head.And then a voice behind us said:"Mortgage? And always have to pay?Now, Father, I've a better way!"—And there, between the ricks of hay, Stood Mother.
"I have been thinking, 'most a year,We'd sell this place, and somewhere nearRent a cottage small and neat,And raise enough for us to eat," Said Mother.
"There's trouble worse than loss of lands.We've honest hearts and willing hands,And not till earth and roof and doorCan rob of peace, shall I be poor!"She smiled. "It seems to me,You all had better come to tea," Said Mother.
As through the sunset field astirWe three went following after her,The thrushes they sang everywhere;Something had banished all our care,And we felt strong enough to bear All things—with Mother.
And listen: Once there came a dayWhen troops returned from far away,And every one went up to meetHis own, within the village street.But ere he reached our old milestoneI knew that Father came alone— And not with Brother,
Then through the twilight, dense and gray,All that our choking sobs could say Was—"Who'll tell Mother."