"....Your children shall be like olive plants all around your table." Psalm 128:3

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Tied Down by Edgar Guest


Tied Down 

"They tie you down," a woman said,
Whose cheeks should have been flaming red
With shame to speak of children so.
"When babies come you cannot go
 
In search of pleasure with your friends,
And all your happy wandering ends.
The things you like you cannot do,
For babies make a slave of you."

I looked at her and said: "'Tis true
That children make a slave of you,
And tie you down with many a knot,
But have you never thought to what
 
It is of happiness and pride
That little babies have you tied?
Do you not miss the greater joys
That come with little girls and boys?

"They tie you down to laughter rare,
To hours of smiles and hours of care,
To nights of watching and to fears;
Sometimes they tie you down to tears
 
And then repay you with a smile,
And make your trouble all worth while.
They tie you fast to chubby feet,
And cheeks of pink and kisses sweet.

"They fasten you with cords of love
To God divine, who reigns above.
They tie you, whereso'er you roam,
Unto the little place called home;
 
And over sea or railroad track
They tug at you to bring you back.
The happiest people in the town
Are those the babies have tied down.
 
"Oh, go your selfish way and free,
But hampered I would rather be,
Yes rather than a kingly crown
I would be, what you term, tied down;
 
Tied down to dancing eyes and charms,
Held fast by chubby, dimpled arms,
The fettered slave of girl and boy,
                                 And win from them earth's finest joy."
                                                                                
       ~by Edgar Guest

Have you ever read this poem, friends?
It speaks volumes, doesn't it?
I hope you're having a wonderful week!  :)

4 comments:

  1. Oh, I love Mr. Guest's work. I have to hunt up another of his that I love and send it, but maybe you already have it.

    Have a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd love to read more of his work, Christine. This is the only poem of his that I have.
      Much love to you! :)

      Delete
  2. I have never read this poem before but it speaks volumes!! I have to google him, lol. thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He has some wonderful poems, Bibi. Thanks so much for stopping by. :)

      Delete

Thanks so much for stopping by. I love to hear from my readers, and your thoughts are welcome. And I try my best to respond to each and every comment. :)