| Little-Boy-That-Used-To-Be, wherever did you wander?
I have looked for you in vain where the children play. Did you stray away across the blue hills over yonder?___ In some half forgotten path, did you lose the way? Shall I miss you always as I'm missing you today? Little hands that clung to me, little feet that pattered Close beside me all the day, everywhere I went; Little voice so piping sweet___once it never mattered Whether long or short the day, how my time was spent. So I had you near to me, I was well content. Little head that burrowed down hard against my shoulder Till at last its drowsy weight fell upon my breast, How I miss you here of nights, lonelier and older Since you went away and left half my love unguessed! Where you wandered, did you find any safer rest? Little-Boy-That-Used-To-Be, wherever did you wander? I shall look for you no more where the children play. But of this big bonny man I can be no fonder Than of that wee one that went far and far away: Leaving me the comfort that his manhood is today. |
The Call of Kansas and Other Poems
Esther M. (Clark) Hill
(Cedar Rapids: Torch Press. __)
Page 21
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