On this thy natal day permit a friend - <br />A brother - with thy joys his own to blend: <br />In all gladness he would wish to share <br />As willing in thy griefs a part to bear. <br /> <br />Meekly attend the ways of higher heav'n! <br />Is much deny'd? Yet much my dear is giv'n. <br />Thy health, thy reason unimpaired remain <br />And while as new fal'n snows thy spotless fame <br />The partner of thy life, attentive - kind - <br />And blending e'en the interests of the mind. <br /> <br />What bliss is thine when fore thy glistring eye <br />Thy lovely infant train pass jocund by! <br />The ruddy cheek, the smiling morning face <br />Denote a healthy undegenerate race: <br />In them renew'd, you'll live and live again, <br />And children's children's children lisp thy name. <br />Bright be the skies where'er my sister goes <br />Nor scowling tempests injure her repose - <br />The field of life with roses thick be strow'd <br />Nor one sharp thorn lie lurking in the road. <br />Thy ev'ry path be still a path of peace <br />And each revolving year thy joys increase; <br />Till hours and years of time itself be o'er <br />And one eternal day around thee pour.<br /><br />Henry Livingston Jr.<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-my-sister-joanna-s-entrance-into-her-33rd-yea/
