My Little Boy

My little boy, thy laughter
Goes to my bosom core,
And sends me yearning after
The days that arc no more,

A-down my cheek is stealing
A briny tear, and I —
But let no selfish feeling
Thy infant mirth destroy.

Fill not with look so earnest,
Those pretty eyes of thine;
A lot were thine the sternest,
Couldst thou my thought divine.

There's time enough for sorrow,
When Life's pale eve draws near;
The lark lilts thee Good Morrow:
Ring out thy laughter clear!