The Message

Waking from tender sleep,

My neighbour's little child

Put out his baby hand to me,

Looked in my face, and smiled.

It seemed as if he came

Home from a happy land,

To tell me something that my heart

Would surely understand.

Somewhere, among bright dreams,

A child that once was mine

Had whispered wordless love to him,

And given him a sign.

Comfort of kindly speech,

And counsel of the wise,

Have helped me less than what I read

In those deep-smiling eyes.

Sleep sweetly, little friend,

And dream again of heaven:

With double love I kiss your hand,—

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