Poems (Tynan)/The Child's Call
THE CHILD'S CALL
He calls with quick, insistent cry, He calls at work or play, And I must put my business by, And all my books away.
He summons me from household cares Back to his sunny room,And up the stairs and up the stairs In happy haste I come.
Sweeter than lark and mavis dear, And nightingales in May, The little voice so shrill and clear That I must yet obey.
While up the stairs and to the door My heart runs on in glee, I hear a voice I knew of yore That never calls for me.
Ever through shadow-time and sun I hear a baby call, That is not you, my precious one, That is not you at all.
Afar, where heavenly waters flow 'Mid Paradisal calms,All on a sward where lilies blow The Shepherd counts his lambs.
Afar, beyond the wintry cold Upon the heavenly hill,A little lamb a few weeks old Bleats for his mother still.
O mother's love and mother's joy! But while I come in haste,I hear another lovely boy Cry from the lonely past.
And while I kiss your curls aside And hold you to my breast,I kiss the little boy that died, That will not let me rest.