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BABY ASLEEP.
73
Jack-knife, picture-book, marbles, ball,
Tailless monkey and headless doll,
And new, bright pennies, his special joy,
By the father hoarded to please his boy.
There lie his shoes on the kitchen-floor
That all day long they have pattered o'er,
Battered and chubby, short and wide,
Worn at the toe, and cracked at the side;
And there hangs the little dress he wore,
Scarlet flannel, and nothing more;
But there clings about it a nameless charm,
For the sleeves are creased by his dimpled arm.
Dear little feet that are now so still,
Will ye ever walk in the paths of ill?
Rosebud lips, will ye ever part,
Bringing pain to a mother's heart?
