Page:Poems Kimball.djvu/333

But already, my boy, you are running about
 On those adventurous little feet,
Midst the circle of sisters who laugh and shout
 At your baby frolics and lispings sweet.

The mirth that is masked in a rueful look
 How swiftly you answer with gleeful eyes!
How you fling down the bauble and seize the book,
 Discerning without discerning the prize!

Yesterday's favors you claim to-day;
 And oh, with what artless stratagem,
Eluding all tactics, you make your way,
 O'ermatching the wit that your progress would hem.

But already, too, you are learning, I know,
 The tender restraint, the loving control
Of the sweetest home in the world; and oh,
 The blessing henceforward to body and soul!

My dear little godson, my beautiful boy,
 On this, the day of your mystical birth,
I will not give you a fragile toy—
 I cannot give you a gift of worth.

So I clasp you close to my heart, and pray
 That the sign the angels see there now,
God's priceless gift to you, day by day
 Brighter and brighter may burn on your brow.