Last Night – Tonight

Last night I sat again upon my loving mother’s knee,

And listened to her lullabies, so sweet and dear to me;

And then she laid me tenderly within my little bed

And heard again, with loving ear, the childish prayer I said.

Last night I stood again beside the little mellow brook,

A slender stick, a piece of thread, a bent pin for a hook;

My chum was close beside me, and we whiled the hours away

As only happy boyhood can where hungry shiners play.

Last night I romped again anear the schoolhouse by the road,

And joined in childish melodies which sweetly ebbed and flowed;

And heard the master’s solemn voice, the class to read and spell,

And then the welcome tinkle of the sweet, dismissal bell.

Last night I held again the hand I held so long ago,

And saw faint flashes steal o’er the face I worshipped so;

I pressed her to my heart again, and heard the whispered “yes”,

Then walked the lonely country road aglow with happiness.

Last night I stood within the church, the proudest man in town,

And looked upon her angel face, above a spotless gown;

And claimed her as my peerless bride before the whole world’s eyes,

And bore her to a happy home, the fairest ‘neath the skies.

Last night ‘twas but a dream I dream, the prayer, my mother’s knee,

The brook, the schoolhouse by the road, the maiden’s vow to me;

The church, the bride, the happy home was but a dream, I say,

And I awoke, with empty heart, to greet the dawning day.

Tonight! I hold the same dear hand, and life grows most divine;

I hear a childish voice in prayer, her little one and mine.

And tho’ the dream of yesternight was happiness supreme,

I think tonight’s reality far sweeter than the dream.

Oct. 6, ‘99