Classic Poem

Mother, O mother! forever I cry for you,
Sing the old song I may never forget;
Even in slumber I murmur and sigh for you.—
Mother, O mother,
Sing low, “Little brother,
Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!”
Mother, O mother! the years are so lonely,
Filled but with weariness, doubt and regret!
Can't you come back to me—for tonight only,
Mother, my mother,
And sing, “Little brother,
Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!”

Mother, O mother! of old I had never
One wish denied me, nor trouble to fret;
Now—must I cry out all vainly forever,—
Mother, sweet mother,
O sing, “Little brother,
Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!”

Mother, O mother! must longing and sorrow
Leave me in darkness, with eyes ever wet,
And never the hope of a meeting tomorrow?
Answer me, mother,
And sing, “Little brother,
Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!”