Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
Poems of Home: I. About ChildrenLittle Feet
Elizabeth Akers Allen (18321911)T
In one caressing hand,—
Two tender feet upon the untried border
Of life’s mysterious land.
In April’s fragrant days,
How can they walk among the briery tangles,
Edging the world’s rough ways?
Must bear a mother’s load;
Alas! since Woman has the heaviest burden,
And walks the harder road.
All dainty, smooth, and fair,—
Will cull away the brambles, letting only
The roses blossom there.
Away from sight of men,
And these dear feet are left without her guiding,
Who shall direct them then?
Poor little untaught feet!
Into what dreary mazes will they wander,
What dangers will they meet?
Of Sorrow’s tearful shades?
Or find the upland slopes of Peace and Beauty,
Whose sunlight never fades?
The common world above?
Or in some nameless vale, securely sheltered,
Walk side by side with Love?
Which find but pleasant ways:
Some hearts there be to which this life is only
A round of happy days.
Without a hope or friend,—
Who find their journey full of pains and losses,
And long to reach the end.
Fair-faced and gentle-eyed,
Before whose unstained feet the world’s rude highway
Stretches so fair and wide?
We crave all blessings sweet,
And pray that He who feeds the crying ravens
Will guide the baby’s feet.