Page:Poems (IA poems00harp).pdf/31

O'er his wan and wasted features
Flitted one sweet smile of peace.

Eagerly he grasped the writing;
"I am free!" at last he said.
Backward fell upon the pillow,
He was free among the dead.

---

"A Little Child Shall Lead Them."

Only a little scrap of blue
 Preserved with loving care,
But earth has not a brilliant hue
 To me more bright and fair.

Strong drink, like a raging demon,
 Laid on my heart his hand,
When my darling joined with others
 The Loyal Legion^[1] band.

But mystic angels called away
 My loved and precious child,
And o'er life's dark and stormy way
 Swept waves of anguish wild.

1. The Temperance Band,