Childhood [poem by L. E. Homfray, 1 September 1936]

[Editor: This poem by L. E. Homfray was published in The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, NSW), 1 September 1936.]

Childhood.

Two clinging hands encircle mine,
Two dimpled hands, so soft and small.
Yet, by the wondrous power of love,
They hold my heart in willing thrall.

Two restless, faltering, baby feet
Come tripping round me all the day.
“Dear God,” I cry, in sudden fear,
“His footsteps guard o’er Life’s rough way.”

In hours of anxious care or grief,
In times of loneliness or pain,
Two laughing eyes look into mine,
And faith and hope return again.

I thank, Thee, God, for all the wealth,
Of childish love out-poured on me,
And pray for wisdom, and for grace,
That I may less unworthy be.

— L. E. Homfray.

Source:
The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, NSW), 1 September 1936, p. 10 of the “Women’s Supplement”

Editor’s notes:
o’er = (archaic) over (pronounced the same as “oar”, “or”, and “ore”)

thee = (archaic) you