The shade for me, but over thee <br />The lingering sunshine still; <br />As, smiling, to the silent stream <br />Comes down the singing rill. <br /> <br />So come to me, my little one,-- <br />My years with thee I share, <br />And mingle with a sister's love <br />A mother's tender care. <br /> <br />But keep the smile upon thy lip, <br />The trust upon thy brow; <br />Since for the dear one God hath called <br />We have an angel now. <br /> <br />Our mother from the fields of heaven <br />Shall still her ear incline; <br />Nor need we fear her human love <br />Is less for love divine. <br /> <br />The songs are sweet they sing beneath <br />The trees of life so fair, <br />But sweetest of the songs of heaven <br />Shall be her children's prayer. <br /> <br />Then, darling, rest upon my breast, <br />And teach my heart to lean <br />With thy sweet trust upon the arm <br />Which folds us both unseen!<br /><br />John Greenleaf Whittier<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-sisters-a-picture-by-barry/
