TO LOUISE

Undaunted by a world of grief

You came upon perplexing days,

And cynics doubt their disbelief

To see the sky-stains in your gaze.

Your sudden and inclusive smile

And your emphatic tears, admit

That you must find this life worth while,

So eagerly you clutch at it!

Your face of triumph says, brave mite,

That life is full of love and luck —

Of blankets to kick off at night,

And two soft rose-pink thumbs to suck.

O loveliest of pioneers

Upon this trail of long surprise,

May all the stages of the years

Show such enchantment in your eyes!

By parents’ patient buttonings,

And endless safety pins, you'll grow

To ribbons, garters, hooks and things,

Up to the Ultimate Trousseau —

But never, in your dainty prime,

Will you be more adored by me

Than when you see, this Great First Time,

Lit candles on a Christmas Tree!