Part 1 — SOMEBODY'S CHILD

Just a picture of Somebody's child,— Sweet face set in golden hair, Violet eyes, and cheeks of rose, Rounded chin, with a dimple there,

Tender eyes where the shadows sleep, Lit from within by a secret ray,— Tender eyes that will shine like stars When love and womanhood come this way:

Scarlet lips with a story to tell,— Blessed be he who shall find it out, Who shall learn the eyes' deep secret well, And read the heart with never a doubt.

Then you will tremble, scarlet lips, Then you will crimson, loveliest cheeks: Eyes will brighten and blushes will burn When the one true lover bends and speaks.

But she's only a child now, as you see, Only a child in her careless grace: When Love and Womanhood come this way Will anything sadden the flower-like face?

Louise Chandler Moulton [1835-1908]