My Grandchildren at Church
Bright Dorothy, with eyes of blue,
And serious Dickie, brave as fair,
Crossing to Church you oft may view
When no one but myself is there:
First to the belfry they repair,
And while to the large ropes they cling,
And make believe to call to prayer,
For angels’ ears the bells they ring!
Next seated gravely in a pew,
A pulpit homily they share,
Meet for my little flock of two,
Pointed and plain as they can bear:
Then venture up the pulpit’s stair,
Pray at the desk or gaily sing:
O sweet Child-life without a care-
For angels’ ears the bells they ring!
Dear little ones, the early dew
Of holy infancy they wear,
And lift to Heaven a face as true
As flowers that breathe the morning air:
Whate’er they do, where’er they fare,
They can command an angel’s wing
Their voices have a music rare,
For angels’ ears the bells they ring!
O parents, of your charge beware:
Their angels stand before the King:
In work, play, sleep, and everywhere
For angels’ ears the bells they ring!
Richard Wilton.