Poems (Barker)/Little Two Year Old

Little Two Year old.
Heaven's blessings pure and sweet,Fall around thy little feet,Till the path they daily tread,Leading ever straight ahead,Guides them safely to the fold:Mamma's darling two year old!
Blessings I would crave for thee,Yet upon life's troubled sea,I could never ask my child,That the way be always mild;For the storms and clouds, my boy,Oft are cradles for new joy.
And from out the smouldering fireOf some tender, lost desire,From the sorrow and the strifeComes a purer, better life,Formed and shaped in suffering's mould;Mamma's darling two year old!
I would shelter thee, my boy,I would give thee every joy;Yet I know a Master hand,Guides thee with His blest command;If He leads thee through the floodT'will be only for thy good.
Two years old, my darling boy,Two bright years of sunny joy:By a father fond, carressed,Folded to a mother's breast,Rocked by love, and patient care,Sheltered by the wings of prayer.
This thy life, sweet little Ray,Brighter on each passing day;Dearer to our loving hearts,As each flitting hour departs;Richer treasure far than gold,Precious little two year old!