Poems (Taggart)/To a Nephew

by Cynthia Taggart

TO A NEPHEW

Dear boy, life's untried scenes to you
 Are fresh with opening charms:
No latent poison canst thou view,
 Nor aught thy fear alarms.

Smoothly, serenely, on life flows,
 In childhood's pleasing sport;
Thy youthful heart now bounds with joys,
 Nor dreams the season short.

But, dearest child, the path of life
 Is crossed with griefs and cares,
And, in the various windings, lie
 Concealed, entangling snares.

The brightest hope oft turns to pain,
 And fills the heart with grief;
And promised pleasures, ere we taste,
 Oft cheat the fond belief.

And friends, who promise love unfeigned,
 Their plighted faith may break;
When sickness, woe, or want assails,
 Regardless may forsake.

But there presides a Sovereign Power,
 The friend of the distressed,
Who guards the hapless child of grief,
 And gives the sufferer rest.

Seek thou His all-important aid,
 Assisting might and truth;
And through the dark, perplexing maze,
 Safely he 'll guide thy youth.

And when thy days on earth shall end,
 Thy soul will soar above,
To dwell with that eternal Friend,
 In endless peace and love.