The woman was old and ragged and gray
And bent with the chill of the Winter's day.
The street was wet with a recent snow
And the woman's feet were aged and slow.
She stood at the crossing and waited long,
Alone, uncared for, amid the throng
Of human beings who passed her by
Nor heeded the glance of her anxious eyes.
Down the street, with laughter and shout,
Glad in the freedom of "school let out,"
Came the boys like a flock of sheep,
Hailing the snow piled white and deep.
Past the woman so old and gray
Hastened the children on their way.
Nor offered a helping hand to her —
So meek, so timid, afraid to stir
Lest the carriage wheels or the horses' feet
Should crowd her down in the slippery street.
At last came one of the merry troop,
The gayest laddie of all the group:
He paused beside her and whispered low,
"I'll help you cross, if you wish to go."
Her aged hand on his strong young arm
She placed, and so, without hurt or harm,
He guided the trembling feet along,
Proud that his own were firm and strong.
Then back again to his friends he went,
His young heart happy and well content.
"She's somebody's mother, boys, you know,
For all she's aged and poor and slow.
"And I hope some fellow will lend a hand
To help my mother, you understand,
"If ever she's poor and old and gray,
When her own dear boy is far away."
And "somebody's mother" bowed low her head
In her home that night, and the prayer she said
Was "God be kind to the noble boy,
Who is somebody's son, and pride and joy!"
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Somebodys Mother
From guest Doreen Edgar (contact)
I was told about this poem by an 89 year woman who is a member of the Eastern Star who thought it would make a nice reading at our meeting for Mothers Day. I completely agree. A beautiful poem -
Hello Suzanne,
This piece is pretty wel documented as being written by Mabel Down Northam Brine in 1878, If your documentation is dated 1944, it is probable that the version you have is a copy. The copyright can be obtained from the body who records all published work in the country of writing, Mabel Down Northam Brine's version is believed to be no longer under copyright and has become property of public domain.
If you need any help you can contact me at research@oldpoetry.com please send any information you have and we will do what we can to assist.
Andrew
oldpoetry staff
Edited on Jan 01, 8:45 because ''. -
I believe this poem to be written by someone else and I have some documentation to prove it. How do I go about finding the copyright on this poem that was changed in 1944. Thank you
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