Poems (Carmichael)/Allie's Prayer
ALLIE'S PRAYER.
We listened—'t was a little foot, Placed lightly on the stairs; "What is it, darling?"—"I forgot— Forgot to say my prayers." The mother took the little hand, And kissed the meek, low brow, And watched the tiny, white-robed form, Close down beside her bow. Ah! pride-chilled hearts were beating near, World-darkened eyes were there; But every head was bowed to hear Sweet Allie's baby prayer.
And I have knelt where holy words By earnest lips were spoke; Have felt the burning gush of thought Their eloquence awoke; Have listened when the pleader's voice Sank quivering to a sigh, And I have bowed my head and thought 'T were beautiful to die; But never have I seen the awe Whose robes were folded there—Whose stainless fingers wove the threads Of Allie's baby prayer.
It went away—that little foot— As lightly as it came; The sweet lips spoke a low "Good night," And syllabled a name, And then a glimpse of sunny hair Flashed through the open door; We caught a glimpse of the white robe The angel pleader wore. Then eye met eye, and souls bowed down In deep contrition there; Stern hearts were melted by the breath Of Allie's baby prayer.