The Baby's Tear

A tiny drop of crystal dew That fell from baby eyes of blue; A shining treasure, there it lay For grandma's love to wipe away.

A tear of sorrow, pure and meek It graced our darling's dimpled cheek; A gem so fair, that angels smiled And claimed the treasure undefiled.

A sunbeam came with winsome grace And chased the shadow from her face; A smile fell from its wings of light And baby eyes laughed at the sight.

The wee bright tear was kissed away, Yet in our hearts its sorrow lay; For like a shadow came the thought, With pain and sorrow life is wrought.

Oh, baby heart, what will you do When life's unrest is given you; And mother-love no more like this Each tear can banish with a kiss?

The love you brought, oh, baby dear, Is like the sunbeam passing near; A ray of light—a touch of gold To keep our hearts from growing old.

Then may thy life grow strong and sweet With mother-love to guide thy feet; And may the sunbeams ever chase Each shadow, darling from thy face.