The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-07-17
kiss ME, MAMMA, CAN'T SLEEP"


The child was too sensitive, so like that
little shrinking plant that curls at breath and
SHUTS lts heart from the light.
Inc only beauties she possessed were an exceed
lngly transparent skin and the most mournul large
blue eyes
had been trained by very stern strict, con-
sclentious mother, but was hardy plant, rebound
ing after every shock; misfortune could not daunt
though discipline tanned me. fancied alas! that
must go through the same routine with this deli
cate creature; as one day when she had displeased
me exceedingly by repeating offence, l was de-
termned TO punish her severely. l was very serious
All day, and upon sending her to htr little couch
said: NOW, my daughter, TO punish you, and show
you now very, very naughty you have been, shall
not kiss you tonight"
she stood looEinG at me- astonishment personi-
fed, with her great mournful eyes wide open-I
suppose she had forgotten her misconduct till then,
ana left her with big tears dropping down her
cheeks. and her little red lips quivering
PRESENTLY was sent for 'Oh, mamma you will
KISS me; can't go to sleep if you dont! she sob
bed, every tonecf 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 urgedm to persist in
my correction, that might impress the fault upon
her mind. That was the way had been trained
till was most submissive child; and I remem-
bered how often had thanked my mother since
for her straightforward course.
knelt by the bedside. "Mother can't kiss YOU
Elem" Whispered, though every word choked
me- Her hand touched mine: it was very hot but 1
attributed it TO her excitement She turned her
little greving face to the wall; 1 blamed myself as
the fragile form shook with halfsuppressed sobs
and saying Mother hopes little Ellen will learn to
mind her after this" left the room for the night
AlaS in my desire to be severe I forgot to be for
giving
ho1- i,,o,
awakened by my nurse. Apprehensive ran eager
ly to the childs chamber; 1 had had fearful
dream
Ellen did not know me. She was sitting I'D
crinsonei from the forehead to the throat her eyes
so bright that l almost drew back aghast at their
glances.
From that night raging fever drank up her life;
and what think you was the incessant plant that
poured into my anguished heart? "Oh kiss me-
mamma do kiss me; can't go to sleep! You'll
kiss your little Ellen, mamma, won't you? can't
go TO sleep wont he naughty if you'll only kiss
me! Oh, kiss me, dear mamma can't to slcep!"
Holy little ANGEL she did 90 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 whispered: 81 will be good,
mamma, if only you'll kiss me-.
Kiss her God knows how passionate, but I'M
avaiing. were my kisses upon her check and lips
after that fatal night God knows how wild were
my prayers that she might know, If but only once,
that kissed her. God knows how would have
yielded up my very life, could 1 have asked for
giveness of that sweet child.
Well, grief is all unavailing now! She lies in her
little tomb there is marble urn at her head, and a
rosebud 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 today and there lies buried the fresh
ness of my heart