The Little Christ

MOTHER, I am thy little Son —
Why weepest thou ?
Hush ! for I see a crown of thorns,
A bleeding brow,
Mother, I am thy little Son —
Why dost thou sigh ?
Hush! for the shadow of the years
Stoopeth more nigh!
Mother, I am thy little Son —
Oh, smile on me.
The birds sing blithe, the birds sing gay,
The leaf laughs on the tree.
Oh, hush thee! The leaves do shiver sore
That tree whereon they grow,
I see it hewn, and bound, to bear
The weight of human woe!
Mother, I am thy little Son —
The Night comes on apace —
When all God’s waiting stars shall smile
On me in thy embrace.
Oh, hush thee! I see black starless night!
Oh, could’st thou slip away
Now, by the hawthorn hedge of Death,
And get to God by Day!