Poems (Ryan)/Grandma Ray
GRANDMA RAY.
In a black dress and snowy cap, Sat Grandma Ray In her arm-chair, to knit and nap One winter's day. The children played around her there As they were wont to do; Their fairy tales she did not hear, Nor see the falling snow.
The noisy group silent did grow, Tired of its play;"Oh! come," said one,"let's crown the brow Of Grandma Ray." With nimble fingers a fair wreath Was twined of evergreen, And bright red berries, with a wealth Of gold and silver sheen.
They crowned the brow of Grandma Ray, In love and mirth, Each little child happy and gay Seemed not of earth. And when Grandma at last awoke, She gave to each a kiss, And in her own kind way she spoke Of Heaven and its bliss.
In joy the angels came that night, And bore away On snowy wings to realms of light Dear Grandma Ray. The withered wreath in tears was bathed. But angels now will twine One for Granny that ne'er will fade, In Heaven's light to shine.
Her tottering form so bent and old, Had reached time's goal; Long waiting for the crown of gold, Her weary soul. For many years the poor and sick Loved Grandma Ray, And often had the great and rich Asked her for them to pray.
In earth was laid so tenderly, Her weary form; A shattered bark had crossed life's sea, Through time's great storm. At last in peace 'tis anchored now In haven of sweet rest, Though Granny's dust lies 'neath the snow, Her soul's on Jesus' breast.