Aha! a traitor in the camp, <br /> A rebel strangely bold,-- <br />A lisping, laughing, toddling scamp, <br /> Not more than four years old! <br /> <br />To think that I, who've ruled alone <br /> So proudly in the past, <br />Should be ejected from my throne <br /> By my own son at last! <br /> <br />He trots his treason to and fro, <br /> As only babies can, <br />And says he'll be his mamma's beau <br /> When he's a "gweat, big man"! <br /> <br />You stingy boy! you've always had <br /> A share in mamma's heart; <br />Would you begrudge your poor old dad <br /> The tiniest little part? <br /> <br />That mamma, I regret to see, <br /> Inclines to take your part,-- <br />As if a dual monarchy <br /> Should rule her gentle heart! <br /> <br />But when the years of youth have sped, <br /> The bearded man, I trow, <br />Will quite forget he ever said <br /> He'd be his mamma's beau. <br /> <br />Renounce your treason, little son, <br /> Leave mamma's heart to me; <br />For there will come another one <br /> To claim your loyalty. <br /> <br />And when that other comes to you, <br /> God grant her love may shine <br />Through all your life, as fair and true <br /> As mamma's does through mine! <br /> <br />1885.<br /><br />Eugene Field<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-a-usurper/
