A CHILD'S smile--nothing more; <br />Quiet, and soft, and grave, and seldom seen; <br />Like summer lightning o'er, <br />Leaving the little face again serene. <br /> <br />I think, boy well-beloved, <br />Thine angel, who did grieve to see how far <br />Thy childhood is removed <br />From sports that dear to other children are, <br /> <br />On this pale cheek has thrown <br />The brightness of his countenance, and made <br />A beauty like his own-- <br />That, while we see it, we are half afraid, <br /> <br />And marvel, will it stay? <br />Or, long ere manhood, will that angel fair, <br />Departing some sad day, <br />Steal the child-smile and leave the shadow care? <br /> <br />Nay, fear not. As is given <br />Unto this child the father watching o'er, <br />His angel up in heaven <br />Beholds Our Father's face for evermore. <br /> <br />And he will help him bear <br />His burthen, as his father helps him now: <br />So may he come to wear <br />That happy child-smile on an old man's brow.<br /><br />Dinah Maria Mulock Craik<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-child-s-smile/
