Poems (Charlotte Allen)/Little Fanny

by Charlotte Allen

LITTLE FANNY.

Mother! (cred a little girl,)
 Why do you look so sad?
And you shed so many tears,
 While I, am always glad.
I cannot think the reason
 You seem so dull of late;
Will you tell me, mother dear,
 Why is this gloomy stat e?
You know, my Fanny dearest,
 How hard I've had to toil;
Day after day unceasing,
 And by the midnight oil:
My strength is now declining,
 I feel my time is near
For the last tie to sever,
 That binds my spirit here;
And this, the thought that grieves me,
 When you are left alone,
Who will protect my orphan,
 And claim thee as their own?

Weep not for me, dear mother,
 (The little prattler said)
I shall soon be large enough
 To earn my daily bread;
And you have often told me,
 That God takes care of all;
And me He 'll not forget,
 Although I am so small.

God bless thee! little loved one,
 Oh! may you be His care,
Who watches all creation,
 E'en smallest birds of air.
And when my last hour comes,
 That breaks affection's chain,
Although I leave thee here,
 We 'll meet in Heaven again.