Page:Poems Kimball.djvu/302

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FOUR.
FOUR in one home and each its chiefest blessing,
Each the darling centre of fondness and delight;
Four in one heart and each the whole possessing;
Mystery of love, love only reads aright!

Each little head enhaloed with affection;
Each little face the sweetest when it smiles;
Each claiming first and tenderest protection;
Each as the others comforts and beguiles.

Grouped round his knees or to his shoulders clinging,
Nestling in his arms or climbing up his chair,
Brimming o'er with laughter, dancing, leaping, singing,
Thus the happy father names his darlings fair:

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