“’Twere better short——” the while your fond heart yearned
To keep them still, reluctant standing by,
You saw your little angel, earthward turned,
Yet all unknowing, lay his halo by.
Soft little threads! They held you with such strength!
You knew the way each wanton ringlet fell,
You knew each shining tendril’s golden length,
How oft they’ve tangled, only you can tell.
In dusky twilight shadows, oh, how oft
You’ve seen their light along your shoulder lie.