Page:Poems Osgood.djvu/210

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
200
ellen learning to walk.

Come on, my pet Ellen! we won't let you slip,—
Unclasp those soft arms from his knee, love;
l see a faint smile round that exquisite lip,
A smile half reproach and half glee, love.

So! that's my brave baby! one foot falters forward,
Half doubtful the other steals by it!
What, shrinking again! why, you shy little coward!
'Twon't kill you to walk a bit!—try it!

There! steady, my darling! huzza! I have caught her!
I clasp her, caress'd and caressing!
And she hides her bright face, as if what we had taught her
Were something to blush for—the blessing!

Now back again! Bravo! that shout of delight,
How it thrills to the hearts that adore her!
Joy, joy for her mother; and blest be the night,
When her little light feet first upbore her!