Poems (Merrill)/When Daddy Rocks the Kid

by Clara A. Merrill

WHEN DADDY ROCKS THE KID

——

Little daughter, fair and sweet  With dainty baby charms; Making every joy complete  As from mamma's arms       Very tenderly she's laid;—       (Mamma's smiles are hid—      Sees the queer maneuvers made        When daddy rocks the kid!)

Darling, winsome as can be— Blossom sweet and rare; Hears the tuneful melody  From the rocking chair.       Never heard such songs before,—       (And guess he never did)       Language new—and tunes galore.        When daddy rocks the kid!

Though forty times, ere day is done,  From work he homeward comes; To hold his precious little one  And see it suck its thumbs—       Mamma, e'er with loving glance        Sees new charms amid       The beauties. Which the joys enhance        When daddy rocks the kid!

When daddy rocks the kid to sleep  He banishes all care; And o'er his visage smiles will creep— Contentment's written there.       No worldly sorrows cast their shade        But vanish as they're bid.—      A pleasing picture thus is made        When daddy rocks the kid!