Poems (Taggart)/A Solace
A SOLACE.1822.
Thus anxiously why watch the dawn, And hope for morning light?When day to me is still the same As sad and dreary night.
But yet the now approaching morn One pleasure will unfold,My sister and her beauteous babe Once more I shall behold.
And though her presence cannot give The joy which once it gave,Nor from one racking, torturing pain My wearied frame can save,
Yet still, 't is sweet to hear her voice, And feel my hand in hers;—To know she 's sitting by my bed, A solace true confers.
Her sweetly prattling infants too, With sportive innocence,Could cheer a heart less pained than mine, Or soothe less aching sense.
E'en now their playful kiss Has a prevailing charm;Their artless questions too afford A momentary calm.
Their little songs of joy Are constant all the day;And laughing eyes and merry looks Bespeak their life is May.
Or, if sometimes a tear Bedim those sparkling eyes, A parent's kiss with fondest care The pearly crystal dries.
But ah! the latent woe That lurks in future years,To blast their spirit's playfulness, And cloud their minds with fears.
As reason grows mature, New cares and griefs oppress,And patience oft and fortitude Must struggle with distress.
Their troubled hearts will then despond To find Hope's promise vain;But soon will youthful buoyancy Dispel the clouds again.
O may their lives be quiet still, As aught on earth can be,And moments pass, 'twixt grief and care, Of soft serenity.
May every guardian power on high Their growing years befriend;And heavenly virtue's fostering hand From every snare defend.
O may Affliction ne'er dispense Her deadliest sorrows drear;But may the sweet, contented smile Their parents' hearts still cheer.