Thoughts in Verse :: :: University of Virginia Library

Tender and soft on the air of the night,
In sweetest cadences, there come
Strains of rapt harmony, tones that delight,
Floating forth from a happy home.

List to the words which with harmony blend!
In thought back to childhood we roam:
‘Mid pleasures and palaces, wherever we tend
There's no place on earth like home.

What tender reflections are brought by that song,
Which is sung in a careless mood,
By one who knows not that in yonder gay throng,
A famishing heart receives food.

See! tears of contrition, course down the worn cheek;
To the wanderer better thoughts come:
“I've wandered so long, I am broken and weak,
But I know there's a welcome at home.

Yes, father and mother are waiting me there,
My brothers and sisters say come!
I'll throw off this burden of folly and care,
And unite with the loved ones at home”!

The mission of song has been grandly fulfilled;
No more will the prodigal roam.
She turns from her error, with penitence filled,
To find there's forgiveness at home!

Just think! what a power we mortals possess,
Our influence is constant and strong;
We teach when we think not, we curse or we bless,
By an act, or a word, or a song.