Poems (Barker)/Press Straight Ahead

Press Straight Ahead.

I used to think in the olden days
That the way of the Lord was dim,
That a terrible barrier lay between
My yearning heart and Him;
But now the way is plain to see,
An angel has opened it up to me.

I used to think as my baby lay
Close folded to my heart,
That my life would go out in anguish wild
If we were torn apart;
But the Lord knew best; He called her home,
That my erring feet might cease to roam.

And now the way that once was dark
Oft' shines with a happy light,
And I know that the glory my sad eyes see,
Is the mark of her foot-prints bright
As her little feet press on before,
To open for me the golden door.

But once in the tempest of pain and care,
I lost my guiding star.
And my heart sunk down with a leaden weight
To be left behind so far:
When the darkness was darkest, a sweet voice said,
"I am waiting, mamma, press straight ahead."

Do you think I ever can lose my way,
With those little feet to guide?
With that little heart so pure and true.
Close up to her Saviour's side?
When the pathway is brightest. I close my eyes,
And dream of our meeting in Paradise.

It may be long ere my weary feet
Shall enter the blessed gate.
But I know the way, and I'll hasten on.
Lest perchance, I may be late,
Remembering ever that sweet voice said,
"I'm waiting, mamma, press straight ahead."