Baby Pet

Ha, little Chappie, my Merry-go-Happy!
     What do you see in the blue up yonder
     To give such glee and innocent wonder?
Is it true, little Pet, that you once had wings,
And remember yet, when Mamma sings,
     Some notes of a melody untaught
That her listening ear in the stillness caught
From heavenly harps, when they opened the door,
To bring you down to our earthly shore?

And what do you find in the beautiful light
That brings to mind some ineffable sight
Holding you tranced, till a sudden smile
Breaks over your face, and your ?? the while
Quince, and heat with the motion of flight?
Poor featherless wings that have not quite
Forgotten their use? Ah, what an abuse
To take a glad cherub from Eden it may be
And make him an impotent earth-born Baby!
     But I see by your working,
     Wriggling and herking,
The toss of your arms and the kick of your heels
Whatever distrust your old Servitas feels
     That you are not a cent for the doubtful event
That Time in his haversack conceals.
     Where the Angels told you to go you went,
And are just as happy and bright little Chappie
     In Mamma’s cot as in Gabriel’s tent.

I like that too; and I know you know
A many things more than you’re ready to show.
That little fuzz-top we call your head
Is a very buzz-top of thoughts unsaid.
And you look as wise, from your great dark eyes
     As any old owl on a farmer’s shed!
Ah bonny wee Boy, accept our thanks
     That you’ve consented to be a contented
Happy-go-Lucky chap here in our ranks!

Bless him; this velvety, pinky skin
That you come wrapt in, and our own good flannels,
     For various weathers, and various ills,
I prefer to the feathers and eagle-quills
     Of all the bests of the Prophet Daniel!
And to see him grow! The bonny Boy!
     What a living joy! and well I know
     The little old Cherubs never do so!
          Stranded in Babyhood,
          Up there it may be good,
Here it were sadder than July snow!
     And then what a bliss his kiss upon kiss,
And the merry, merry laugh that greets you for this;
     I’m glad you’re a Baby to love us and grow!