JOE.
Reading edition
BY MRS. MARGARET E. SANGSTER.
Bright brown eyes and tangled hair, Rosy cheek beneath the tan, Fearless head on shoulders square— That is Joe, the little man, Helping mother all he can. Father is away at sea (Oh, the vessel tarries long!): Lonely would the cottage be, Many a weary day go wrong, But for Joe, with shout and song. Rough the weather, fierce the gales, Wild the nights upon the shore: Oft the dear wife's courage fails, When she hears the breakers roar, Lest her sailor come no more. Joe, with lion heart and leal, Tells her it is safe outside; That the deep sea does not feel All the troubles of the tide; That the good ship safe will ride. Mother heeds her comforter: He is only eight years old, But his earnest words to her Are as rubies set in gold— Precious with a worth untold.