Poems of childhood

Chapter 94: INSCRIPTION FOR MY LITTLE SON’S SILVER PLATE

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

About This Book

A collection of short lyrical poems written for and about children, blending playful nonsense, gentle lullabies, and nostalgic reminiscence. Many pieces evoke bedtime and nursery scenes, give voice to toys and animals, or imagine voyages and fairylike adventures, mixing humor with a tender melancholy. Several poems adapt or echo folk-song material, while others are brief narrative or character sketches that vary in meter and mood. Overall the verses create an intimate domestic atmosphere, inviting readers into childlike wonder through simple rhythms, vivid small-scale imagery, and affectionate observation.

INSCRIPTION FOR MY LITTLE SON’S SILVER PLATE

When thou dost eat from off this plate,

I charge thee be thou temperate;

Unto thine elders at the board

Do thou sweet reverence accord;

And, though to dignity inclined,

Unto the serving-folk be kind;

Be ever mindful of the poor,

Nor turn them hungry from the door;

And unto God, for health and food

And all that in thy life is good,

Give thou thy heart in gratitude.