Poems (Barker)/To Grandma on her 76th Birthday

by Alice J. Green Barker

On Her 76th Birthday.

In the morning, at the noon-tide,
In the quiet hush of even,
Through the years of patient waiting
Walking very near to Heaven—

Through the vale of tribulation,
Where its deepest shadows lie
Toiling up the rugged hill side,
Looking to the "By and By."

Darling Grandma, o'er this journey,
That your tender feet have trod,
Many times my tears have fallen
And my prayers have gone to God—

That the path may now be peaceful.
Strewn with flowers of loving care,
That no shade of pain or sickness.
E'er may cloud a sky so fair.

Oh! those tender hands so loving,
Oh! that heart, so true and warm,
Where so often, in my childhood,
I was sheltered from each harm;

Even yet I feel the pressure
Of those arms about me thrown,
Through my life a love more precious
I have never, never known.

Blessed Grandma, I will ever
Feel the sweetness of your life,
Point me with its blest example,
Far above these scenes of strife.

Every year that flits so lightly—
On its unseen, noiseless wings,
Adds new luster, to the brightness
That about your spirit clings.

Every year, oh dearest Grandma,
Shows to us an added grace, us
Leaves another trace of Heaven,
On your tender loving face.