THE CHILD AND THE WORLD.
I see a nest in a green elm-tree With little brown sparrows,--one, two, three! The elm-tree stretches its branches wide, And the nest is soft and warm inside. At morn, the sun, so golden bright, Climbs up to fill the world with light; It opens the flowers, it wakens me, And wakens the birdies,--one, two, three. And leaning out of my window high, I look far up at the blue, blue sky, And then far out at the earth so green, And think it the loveliest ever seen,-- The loveliest world that ever was seen!
But by and by, when the sun is low, And birds and babies sleepy grow, I peep again from my window high, And look at the earth and clouds and sky. The night dew comes in silent showers, To cool the hearts of thirsty flowers; The moon comes out,--the slender thing, A crescent yet, but soon a ring,-- And brings with her one yellow star; How small it looks, away so far! But soon, in the heaven's shining blue, A thousand twinkle and blink at you, Like a thousand lamps in the sky so blue.
And hush! a light breeze stirs the tree, And rocks, the birdies,--one, two, three. What a beautiful cradle, that soft, warm nest! What a dear little coverlid, mamma-bird's breast! She's hugging them close to her,--tight, so tight That each downy head is hid from sight; But out from under her sheltering wings Their bright eyes glisten,--the darling things! I lean far out from my window's height And say, "Dear, lovely world, good-night!
"Good-night, dear, pretty baby moon! Your cradle you'll outgrow quite soon, And then, perhaps, all night you'll shine, A grown-up lady moon!--so fine And bright that all the stars Will want to light their lamps from yours. Sleep sweetly, birdies, never fear, For God is always watching near! And you, dear, friendly world above, The same One holds us in His love: Both you so great, and I so small, Are safe,--He sees the sparrow's fall,-- The dear God watcheth over all!"
The Story Hour: A Book for the Home and the Kindergarten Page 18