The walls and roof of the old home place?
Would it give them back the blessed hoard
Of trust that knew no son’s disgrace?
Would it give them back his boyhood smiles,
His boyhood love, their simple joy,
Would it heal the wounds of these afterwhiles,
And make him again their own dear boy?
Would it soothe the smart of the cruel words,
Of sullen looks and cold neglect?
And dull the taunts that pierced like swords