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.
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