Classic Poem

When Baby played,
The very household tasks were stayed
To listen to her voice: — Secrete,
We heard her lisping, low and sweet,
Among her many dolls and pets;
Or, at her window's mignonettes,
Making some butterfly — arrayed
In tremulous gold — all unafraid —
When Baby played. .

When Baby played
Amidst the reapers, — why, they laid
Their work aside, and with loud glee
Tossed her among them tenderly;
And they did single, from the blur
Of tousled grasses, blooms for her —
To wreathe about her throat and wrist,
While for the service each was kissed,
And on till evensong was made
So happier. — When Baby played.

When Baby played,
The lilies down the everglade
Grew purer — where the waters leapt,
The willows laughed instead of wept;
And the glad winds went merrying
To sway the empty grapevine-swing
She needs must leave, in answer to
Our call from home at fall of dew —
And mimicking the call we made. —
When Baby played, — when Baby played.