The Bedtime Kiss
O mothers, so weary, discouraged,
Worn out with the cares of the day,
You often grow cross and impatient,
Complain of the noise and the play;
For the day brings so many vexations,
So many things gone amiss:
But, mothers, whatever may vex you,
Send the children to bed with a kiss.
The dear little feet wander often,
Perhaps from the pathway of right;
The dear little hands find new mischief
To try you from morning till night;
But think of the desolate mothers
Who'd give all the world for your bliss,
And, as thanks for your infinite blessings,
Send the children to bed with a kiss.
For some day their voice will not vex you,
The silence will hurt you far more;
You will long for the sweet childish voices,
For a sweet childish face at the door;
And to press a child's face to your bosom—
You'd give all the world just for this:
For the comfort 'twill bring you in sorrow,
Send the children to be with a kiss.
Author Unknown