Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-03-13
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VALENTINE TO MY SISTERS


! ;hink Of thee, sisters think Of thee,
In the morning, noon. and az Silly eve
In day time aud night time | think Of thee,
Carrie, Martha, Nancy, sisters three,
And the thought Of thee, sisters. comes DER me
Lake genial perfume Of summer flowers,
Like the mutmurng Of woodland and tree,
As son music Of enchanted bowers.
think Of home when children together;
VI our happy cot the hill. side
OF Kind parents, dear to each other,
As We sat round the board side by side,
~ our dear mother, gentle and kind,
Ever watchful, tender, all times discrect,-
balm Tor our woes she always could find
For goodness and beauty we thought her complete
Her reputation abroad was flame,
But that Il good could complain;
Her loves strong for earth, but stronger above,
And none could know her but 10 love.
! think Of our father, happ5 and calm.
Who gave us counsel, and Kept us from harm
He loved US all, in sunshine and in rain,
Encouraged our love, our wrath he restrainedi
Andhke the fair cedar, correct and straight,
Buoyant in action, nor for others would watt
Proud in his youth for liberty and right,
When life was unelouded. and hope was bright.
think Of our old play grounds, here and there
Down by the hedge, or in the pleasant grove
Playing and singing, happy erery,ohere
No eafos'-no envy among us stroye
And there was the beech just under the Hill.
Whose pleasant shade made so happy old Bdndle,
All unconscious Of the hearts il made thrill,
As we gathered its fruit with fingers nimble.
There toos the old mil down by the stream.
Where VIC went huntingdon know where mean
Where 6. n. but for father would have drown'd.
And my fingers jam d as the sweep came round.
There also the frogs peepd so early in spring,
And there old "cock-robin" came first 10 sing,
With his mate, building the nest at her will
And all became 'tached to the old saw-mill.
Here by this hrooklet, times without number
On its NOISY banks TO muse and to wonder.
We've gazed at whrling eddes mirroG'd skies
or floating clouds, painted ia regal dyes,
And dream d Of greatness untold by the tongue,
BY chisel unoarved, by poets unsung.
Where royal palaces at fancy would rise,
And earthly domains extend to the skies,
While with little pliyfellows at our side
We aped the Royalty" with thrilling pride,
Above those passions that this world dtform.
And torture man, a proud, malignant worm.
Then nough but candof regued true social ease,
Good natur'd children, capcring up aud down
And we pleased ourselves, must always please,
Or on othefss ways, we never thought frown
Thus from the fountain Of sweet influence.
With rich blood the true heart overfOwn,
And developed, progressing IN social scnse
As interest," Envy Pride aud Strife banished hence
That was happiness. that repose u mind.
That pure, ethereal calm, which knows no storm;
Above the reach Of wild ambitions wind.
Which wrecks the older, and leads them fol0rn
For in youth softer gales OF passion play;
There's no hatterng base, giving secret wounds,
But a lively sense Of JOY, a. breezes stray
Cross the enlyend skies, and make them still more
gay
And thus we lived on in sunshine and shade.
While childhood was passing we rose In grade
And many scenes OF flial devotion
VIII form pictures Of endless emotions
Sisters, We have lived and loved together
And as brothers and sisters perhaps none better,
Then lead us. great Father, in the paths Of life,
And keep US in future from envy and strife
JovB