WAITING FOR FATHER.

Father's boat comes sailing, Sailing from the west; On the shore stand watching Those who love him best. Blooms the gorse so golden On the breezy down, Comes a sound of joy-bells From the busy town. In the fisher's cottage Mother's work is done, Through the open window Streams the sinking sun. Cheerily the kettle Sings upon the fire, Ticks the old clock loudly, Creep the shadows higher. Just now, in the gloaming, When the boat is in, And the fish are counted With a merry din, All those five together Up the cliff will come, Peacefully and gladly, To their cosy home.