G.T.A. <br /> <br />BEFORE your life that is to come, <br />Love stands with eager eyes, that vainly <br />Seek to discern what gift may fit <br />The slow unfolding years of it; <br />And still Time's lips are sealed and dumb, <br />And still Love sees no future plainly. <br /> <br /> <br />We cannot guess what flowers will spring <br />Best in your garden, bloom most brightly; <br />But some fair flowers in any plot <br />Will spring and grow, and wither not; <br />And such wish-flowers we gladly bring, <br />And in that small hand lay them lightly. <br /> <br /> <br />Baby, we wish that those dear eyes <br />May see fulfilment of our dreaming, <br />Those little feet may turn from wrong, <br />Those hands to hold the right be strong, <br />That heart be pure, that mind be wise <br />To know the true from the true-seeming. <br /> <br /> <br />We wish that all your life may be <br />A life of selfless brave endeavour-- <br />That for reward the fates allow <br />Such love as lines your soft nest now <br />To warm the years for you, when we, <br />Who wish you this, are cold for ever.<br /><br />Edith Nesbit<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/baby-s-birthday/
