THE LITTLE COMFORTER
"What is wrong with my big brother?"
Says the child;
For they two had got no mother
And she loved him like no other:
If he smiled,
All the world seemed bright and gay
To this happy little May.
If to her he sharply spoke,
This big brother—
Then her tender heart nigh broke;
But the cruel pain that woke,
She would smother—
As a little woman can;—
Was he not almost a man?
But when trouble or disgrace
Smote the boy,
She would lift her gentle face—
Surely 'twas her own right place.
To bring joy?
For she loved him—loved him so!
Whether he was good or no
May be he will never feel
Half her love;
Wound her, and forget to heal:
Idle words are sharp as steel:
But above,
I know what the angels say
Of this silent little May.