Janet Hamilton is one of those old poets whose work I have just begun to explore. She lived and died during an era when devotional poetry was important to Christians and I have found her poems quite enjoyable. Here is one that reflects on the beauty of a mother’s love for her child. Dear child! a faithful mother’s loveFor thee will toil, and watch, and pray;An angel hovering still aboveThy couch by night, thy steps by day. Oh think how oft thy lips have pressedHer breast! how oft thine arms have clungAround her neck, while to her heartShe clasped thee close, and sweetly sung! When fever’s burning flush suffusedThy cheek, and heaved thy panting chest,Thou rest or refuge all refusedSave mother’s arms and mother’s breast. And she would sit with tangled hair,With haggard cheek and heavy eyes,Tend all thy wants with loving care,And soothe thy pains and hush thy cries. And she would whisper in thy ear,And press upon thy infant mindThe name, the love of Jesus dear,And God, thy Father good and kind. The pouting lip, the pert reply,The sullen brow, the stubborn will,Will dim with tears thy mother’s eye,And her fond heart with anguish fill. The smiling lip, the ready yes,The sunny brow of cheerful love;What balm for mother’s heart like this?What dearer blessing can she prove? Is she a widow? doubly dearBe she to thee; when griefs assail,Kiss thou away each mournful tearThat wanders down her cheek so pale. A faithful God, the first, the best—The next a faithful mother’s love;Thou shalt, … Continue reading A Faithful Mother’s Love