Page:All quiet along the Potomac and other poems.djvu/335

 AUNT ABBY S WINGS. 329

Still answered, &quot; We ll welcome Aunt Abby ;

Won t we, children?&quot; as brave as could be; And Jotham said softly, &quot; God bless her !

I knew very well how twould be.&quot;

So she came with an October sunset

(And the stage) to the wide-open door

A meek little form, clad in mourning, A waif from Death s desolate shore.

You never would guess that an angel Could come in a stage, without wings ;

But the household of Jotham will tell you Tis one of life s possible things.

When the fever came stealthily creeping, And touched, save herself, every one,

Did Abby need wings to proclaim her A blessing as bright as the sun ?

Didn t she hold the mother s head drooping?

Didn t she rock the baby to rest ? Didn t she kiss the boys ev ry morning,

And cuddle Kit up on her breast ?

And when the sad season was over, And health came among them to stay,

When the circle at prayers rounded perfect, And Jotham could say, &quot;Let us pray,&quot;

Giving true hearty thanks for all mercies By which the dark hours had been blest,

Ruth whispered &quot;Amen &quot; while he counted As the chiefest and dearest their guest. 28*

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