The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-08-18
KISS NE, MAMMA, | CAN'T
SIEEDo

SLEEP.
The child was so sensitive, SO like
that little shrinking plant that curls at
breath and shuts it's heart from the light.
The only beauties she possessed were
an exceedingly transparent skin and the
most mournful large blue eyes.
1 had been trained by a very stern,
strict, conscientious mother, but 1 was
hardy plant, rebounding after every
shock; misfortune could not dsunt,
though discipline tanned me. / fancied,
alas that 1 must go through the same
routine with this delicate creature; as
one day when she had displeased me ex-
ceedingly by repeating an offence 1 was
determined to punish her severely. I
was very serious all day, and upon send
ing her to her little couch, I said: "Now,
my daughter, to punish you and show
you how very, very naughty you have
been, shall not kiss you tonight"
She stood looking at me, establishment
personi6ed, with her great mournful
eyes wide open-I suppose she had for
gotten her misconduct till then, and L left
her with big tears dropping down her
cheeks, and her little red lips quivering.
Presently l was sent for, Oh, mamma,
you will kiss me. I can't go to sleep if
you DON'T" she sobbed, every tone of her
voice trembling and she held out her lit
tie hands.
Now came the struggling 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 her fault
upon her mind. That was the way had
been trained, till was most submits
sive child; and remembered how often
had thanked my mother since, for her
straightforward course.
I knelt by the bedside. "Mother can't
kiss you, Ellen" I 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; / blamed my
self 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
Alas in my desire to be severe, forgot
to be forgiving.
1t must have been twelve O'Clock when
1 was awakened by my nurse. Appre-
hensive Iran eagerly to the child's cham
Der; I had had fearful dream.
Ellen did not know me. She was sit
ting up crimsoned from the forehead to
the threat; her eyes SO bright that I al
most drew back aghsst at their chances.
From that night raging fever drank
up her life, and what think you was the
incessant plant that poured into my an
guished heart? ooh, kiss me, mamma, do
kiss me; 1 can't go to sleepl You'll kiss
your little Ellen, mamma, won't you.
I can't go to sleep. 1 won't be naughty
if you'll only kis SINE. Oh, kiss me, dear
mamma, 1 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 it's
gradual chill. Family the light faded
out of the beautiful eyes; whittier and
whittier grew the tremulous lips. She
never knew me; but her last breath she
whispered; 81 will be good, mamma, if
OIL ly you'll kiss me-"
Kiss her! God knows how passionate
but unavaillng we're my kisses upon her
cheek and lips after that fatal night.
God knows how wild were my prayers
that che might know, if but only once,
that I kissed her. God knows how I
would have yielded up my very life,
could / have asked forgiveness of that
sweet child.
Well grief is all unsvsiling nowl She
lies in her little tomb; there is a marble
urn at her head, and a rosebud at her
feet; the re 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
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