Poems (Smith)/To Louise

by Martha A. Smith

TO LOUISE.

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Thy tender love for thy father last night
Has won my heart unto you, quite.
May he ever, sweet girl, highly prize
The love that shone in thy bright eyes.

May you ever be thus kind and true
To a father so truly devoted to you.
You'll never find on this earth below
More true a heart to love you so.

Should sorrow ever thy heart oppress,
Your father would never love you less:
Then a gentle mother's tender care
Will follow her children everywhere.

Dear girl, who, having so many to love,
Till God shall call thee home above,
Be gentle, loving, kind, and true,—
A blessing to those who are loving you.

May they long be spared in tender love.
If God should call them to rest above,
May He soften the blow to thy tender heart.
Until you from this earth depart.

May your life be joyous, beautiful, bright,
Few clouds o'ershadow thy pathway light.
May the beauty of thy heart remain,
Until at last you heaven gain.

Farewell, dear girl: these lines by me
Are written in kindest love to thee.
Adieu, and may you happy be;
And sometimes kindly think of me.