Poems (Argent)/Dorothy

by Alice Emily Argent

DOROTHY

 

(Which means the Gift of God).

I HAVE a child—a little child with eyes of pensive blue,
Clear as the skies above her spread, outrivalling their hue,
With golden ringlets all ashine adown her shoulders fair,
Floating with every movement like sunlight on the air.
Though she be blind and cannot see, far dearer unto me
Than all my other children, is my little Dorothy!

You'd hardly think that she was blind; her voice is very sweet,
And ever ready willing are those patient, tireless feet,
To execute Love's errands, to comfort and to bless
All those who chance to meet her by her pure loveliness!
Deep in my heart she nestles down, nought in the world to me
Is half so dear and cherished as my precious Dorothy!

When first they told me she was blind, my tears like summer rain
Fell on her calm unconscious face in agony of pain,
For then I thought of after years, and all that she might miss,
But now my heart hath recognised the mercy e'en in this!
So wherefore should I grieve for her, for that which ne'er can be,
And God is good, He knows the best for little Dorothy.

She is the gentle sunbeam and the angel unawares,
That came to crown our household in answer to our prayers.
What though the beauteous sky above, the tender grass below,
The waving springtide's blossoms, the winter rime and snow,
And other glorious sights on earth, my darling can- not see?
I do not grieve as once I did for sake of Dorothy!

For clearer vision cometh afar in fields of light,
The Lord of all will crown her with an everlasting sight,
E'en now they tell me shineth that angel face of hers,
Fair as the moon's soft lustre, bright as celestial stars;
Perchance it does, I cannot tell, I only know to me
For ever and for ever she is my Dorothy!