The Earth Turns South/The Learners

by Clement Richardson Wood

THE LEARNERS

O little feet, unused to weight and burden,
O little legs, uncertain, timorous,
We smile as we behold your faint successes,
Your doubtful stumbling seems too vain to us.

Each three steps' journey is a wild adventure,
And perils lurk in floor and carpet spaces,
Far from the sheltering chair and couch; and farther
The passage here to havening arms and faces.

But still you dare—for life is spun of daring;
And step by step your earnest journeys lengthen,
As mastery grows out of careful seeking,
As little legs and little purpose strengthen.

We smile and hardly think of long days coming
When you will walk with firm and careless trust,
Watching, perhaps, more little feet that falter,
Long after we who smile are quiet dust.