Poems (Helen Jenkins)/Raffie's Goodnight
RAFFIE'S GOODNIGHT.
'Tis Raffie's bedtime, and he vainly tries
To open wide his big, black, shining eyes.
That he is sleepy, he cannot disguise.
To open wide his big, black, shining eyes.
That he is sleepy, he cannot disguise.
He creeps into my arms, a welcome guest.
He cannot quite forsake the cozy nest
Where he has ever found his sweetest rest.
He cannot quite forsake the cozy nest
Where he has ever found his sweetest rest.
"O, how I love you mother, mother dear!
But I am growing big and tall; I fear
I cannot always come and nestle here.
But I am growing big and tall; I fear
I cannot always come and nestle here.
"Now look! My feet will almost touch the floor.
And see how high my mark is on the door,
There beside Bertha's!—mine's a little lower.
And see how high my mark is on the door,
There beside Bertha's!—mine's a little lower.
"I'm 'most a man,—mother, you musn't smile!
I love to cuddle just a little while,
But not in any silly, baby style.
I love to cuddle just a little while,
But not in any silly, baby style.
"With kisses, one, two, three,—a score,
My mouth and lips are bubbling o'er.
O, I must kiss you just once more!
My mouth and lips are bubbling o'er.
O, I must kiss you just once more!
"Tuck me in bed now, and I'll go to sleep.
No matter, mother, if the dark is deep.
I know that God is good, and He will keep
No matter, mother, if the dark is deep.
I know that God is good, and He will keep
"Me safe always. I'm sleepy quite;
Please shut the door and take away the light.
Another kiss, and now, mamma, good-night!"
Please shut the door and take away the light.
Another kiss, and now, mamma, good-night!"