My baby slept--how calm his rest, <br />As o'er his handsome face a smile <br />Like that of angel flitted, while <br />He lay so still upon my breast! <br /> <br />My baby slept--his baby head <br />Lay all unkiss'd 'neath pall and shroud: <br />I did not weep or cry aloud-- <br />I only wished I, too, were dead! <br /> <br />My baby sleeps--a tiny mound, <br />All covered by the little flowers, <br />Woos me in all my waking hours, <br />Down in the quiet burying-ground. <br /> <br />And when I sleep I seem to be <br />With baby in another land-- <br />I take his little baby hand-- <br />He smiles and sings sweet songs to me. <br /> <br />Sleep on, O baby, while I keep <br />My vigils till this day be passed! <br />Then shall I, too, lie down at last, <br />And with my baby darling sleep.<br /><br />Eugene Field<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-sleeping-child/
