FAMILY HISTORY: POETRY Collection written by Elsie Strawn ARMSTRONG File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Les Howard Strawn Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/ ________________________________________________ A SELECTION OF NIGHT THOUGHTS Of late I thought, I had a fear, That those I love and hold most dear For me, but little think or care, My children. But some there are, I'm pleased to find, Since I am feeble, old and blind, Would for money treat me kind, My neighbors. Among them all, I find there's those Would make my fires, wash my clothes, To pay their rents, they seem disposed, My tenants. But I should take another view, My sons have all that they can do To meet the claims that are on them due, Their wives and children. My sons are good and kind to me, If you were with me you would see, And with their wives I can make free, My daughters-in-law. My daughters-in-law are good and kind, To wait on me they seem inclined To cheer my heart and soothe my mind, My sons' wives. My sons are active business men, They come to see me now and then, But not so often now, as when? They wished assistance. Now I'm inclined to quit my whining, O'er fancied evils cease repining, And to my make feel resigning, My life, my all. I feel 'tis time to disengage My service from the present age, For soon I'll be called from the stage, And all its' cares. And above all, I wish the most To be found faithful at my post, When I am called to quit the coast, And launch away. Lord, grant that I may reach that shore Where, with my friends that's gone before, My Savior's name there to adore, In endless days. NOVEMBER, 1856