Poems (Coolidge)/Two Tiny Shoes

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4474181Poems — Two Tiny ShoesHelen Elizabeth Coolidge
TWO TINY SHOES
Oh, tiny, faded, well-worn shoes that I bedew with team,
How tender are the memories sweet that cover bygone years!
To little feet I hearken still, their patter on the floor
Is music to a mother's ear, e'en though her heart be sore.

Those tiny, faded treasures now. I warm with kisses sweet,
They once, in those old happy days, were soft to baby's feet;
I see my darling's hands outstretched,—the goal is mother's arms,
The arms that were thy refuge, sweet, from all thy vain alarms.

For love is fadeless, baby sweet, and eyes bedewed with tears
Can see through all the vista long, of clouded, lonely years;
Can see to where thy cradle stands. and murmur soft and
The lullabies that soothed thy rest, as it rocked to and fro:
These tiny, well-worn shoes, my sweet, a message hold for me,
"Oh, have thy baby's perfect trust,—thou comforted shalt be;
Thy goal is Love,—a love that waits thy joy to make complete,
Oh, keep outstretched thy hands,—believe,—then, run with eager feet."