The sun that sank just now beyond those calm waters <br />Shines not for me; <br />The sun that will to-morrow gild yonder mountain <br />I shall not see. <br />Faint forms draw near, and seem to beckon, beckon; <br />"Come now!" sweet voices seem to say; <br />And, but for thought of these my poor little darlings, <br />Glad I obey! <br /> <br />I must let go each little hand; <br />I must leave all behind. <br />Oh! don't be cruel to the motherless darlings; <br />Don't be unkind! <br /> <br />Since first I looked upon my Delbert and Daisy <br />Five years and three -- <br />'Twas love and gentleness, 'twas ruling by kindness, <br />Won them to me. <br />Harsh words will draw them nearer never, never! <br />But love their hidden hearts will find. <br />Oh! don't be cruel to the motherless darlings; <br />Don't be unkind! <br /> <br />'Twould break their little hearts if, while in your keeping, <br />Love were withdrawn -- <br />If, through your cold neglect, they lose all their sunshine <br />When I am gone. <br />To this, my dying message, listen, listen! <br />Keep this, my last request, in mind: <br />Oh! don't be cruel to the motherless darlings; <br />Don' be unkind!<br /><br />Henry Clay Work<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/don-t-be-cruel-to-the-motherless-darlings/
