MY MOTHER'S PORTRAIT.
Reading edition
SET TO MUSIC AND PUBLISHED.
Ah! Well can I remember: "She'll come no more," they said. Her last sweet words, they told me, Were blessings on my head. Ah! Well can I remember What sadness all things wore In childhood, when they told me "She'll come—she'll come no more!" Awake or asleep, Sweet prize above all other; Close to my heart I'll keep The likeness of my mother.
Ah! Well can I remember, Those eyes were filled with tears— The face that smiled upon me Seemed sad with many fears: "Who'll care for thee, my sweet one?" "Who'll love thee now?" she cried: Then from her arms they bore me— 'Twas then, they said, she died. Awake or asleep, Sweet prize above all other: Close to my heart I'll keep The likeness of my mother.
What though, through cloud and sunshine, Bright thoughts around me cling: Though friends in kindness greet me, No mother's love they bring. I see her form before me; I see the sad, sweet smile; And yet my heart is lonely, So lonely, all the while. Awake or asleep, Sweet prize above all other: Close to my heart I'll keep The likeness of my mother.