The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-11-09
''Kiss Me, Mamma, 1 Can't Go to Sleep"

The child was so sensitive, so like that little
shrinking plant that curls at breath and shuts
its heart from the light
The only beauties she possessed were an eX-
ceedingy transparent skin and the most mourn
full, large blue eyes.
had been trained by very stern, strict, con
scientious mother, but l was hardy plant, re-
bounding after every shock misfortune could
cied, alasl that must go through the same rou-
tine with this delicate creature; one day when
she had displeased me exceedingly by repeating
an offense, l was determined to punish her Sc
verely. | was very serious all day, and, upon
sending her to her little couch, said Nov,
my daughter, to punish you, and to show you
how very, very naughty you have been, shall
not kiss you to night"
She stood looking at me, establishment person
fled. with her great mournful eyes wide open-I
suppose she had forgotten her misconduct till
then, and l left her with big tears dropping down
her cheeks, and her little red lips quivering.
Presently was sent fors "Oh, mamma, you
will kiss me; can't go to sleep if you don't" she
sobbed every tone of her voice trembling; and
she held out her little hands
Now came the struggle between love and what
falsely termed duty My heart said, give her
the kiss of peace; my stern nature urged me to
persist in my correction, that I might impress
the fault upon her mind. That was the way
had been trained till was most submissive
child; and [ remembered how often | had thank
ed my mother since for her straightforward
course.
I knelt by the bedside. Mother can't kiss
you, Ellen" | whispered, though every word
choked me- Her hand touched mine; it was
very hot, but / attributed it to her excitement.
She turned her little grieving face to the wall;
l blamed myself as the fragile form shook with
half-suppressed sobs, and saying: Mother hopes
little Ellen will learn to mind her after this, ]"
left the room for the night Alasl in my desire
to be severe L forgot to be forgiving.
1t must have been IL o'clock when I was
awakened by my nurse. Apprehensive, ran
eagerly to the childs chamber; had had a fear
full dream.
Ellen did not know me. She was sitting up
crimsoned from the forehead to the throat; her
eyes so bright that / almost drew back aghast at
their glances.
From that night raging fever drank up her
life; and what think you was the incessant plant
poured into my anguished hearth ooh. kiss me,
mamma, do kiss me; can't go to sleep! You'll
kiss your little Ellen, mamma, won't youH |
can't go to Sleep won't be naughty if you'll
only kiss me! Oh kiss me dear mamma, can't
go to sleep"
Holy little angel she did go to sleep one gray
morning, and she never woke again-never.
Her hand was locked in mine, and all my veins
grew icy with its gradual chill Family the
light faded out of the beautiful eyes; whittier and
whittier grew the tremulous lips. She never
knew me; but with her last breath she whis-
pered; 81 will be good, mamma, if only you'll
kiss me-"
Kiss her! God knows how passionate but
unavailing, were my kisses upon her cheek and
lips after that fatal night God knows how
wild were my prayers that she might know, if
but only once, that 1 kissed her. God knows
how 1 would have yielded up my very life, could
I have asked forgiveness for that sweet child.
Well, grief is all unayailing now She lies in
her little tomb; there is marble urn at her
head, and rose-bush at her feet; there grow
sweet summer flowers; there waves the gentle
grass; there birds sing their mathis and vespers;
there the blue sky smiles down to-day; and there
lies buried the freshness of my heart
Parents. you should have heard the pathos IN
the voice of that stricken mother as she said
There are plants that spring into greater vigor
if the heavy pressure of a footstep crush them;
but, OIL there are others that even the pearls of
the light dew bend to the earth"