Come, Little Leaves

Hey, Y'all,
My mom used to recite little poems to us or sing songs to us that she had learned as a girl or in later years growing up. She only went to school through the fifth grade and then quit school to work in a knitting mill. However, while she was in school (1907-1912), they did a lot of memorizing of declamations, poems and other things.

One of the poems that I remember hearing her say is called "Come, Little Leaves" by George Cooper, who lived from 1838 - 1927. He wrote about everyday subjects, and several of his poems are in a collection that I own. I think he must have been a favorite poet in those days of the early 1900's. Of course, when Autumn comes around every year, I always remember that particular poem. So, for those of you who may have heard it and recall it, and for those of you who have never heard it, here goes.

Come, Little Leaves

"Come, little leaves," said the wind one day.

"Come over the meadow with me and play;

Put on your dresses of red and gold,

For summer is gone and the days grow cold."

Soon as the leaves heard the wind's loud call,

Down they came fluttering, one and all;

Over the brown fields they danced and flew,

Singing the sweet little song they knew.

"Cricket, good-by, we've been friends so long,

Little brook, sing us your farewell song:

Say you are sorry to see us go;

Ah, you will miss us, right well we know.

Dear little lambs in your fleecy fold,

Mother will keep you from harm and cold;

Fondly we watched you in vale and glade,

Say, will you dream of our loving shade?"

Dancing and whirling, the little leaves went,

Winter had called them, and they were content;

Soon, fast asleep in their earthy beds,

The snow laid a coverlid over their heads.

While I was doing research on the internet this morning trying to find out more about George Cooper, I found another poem he had written, and thought I would print it here for you.. It is about mothers. It is called "Only One."

Only One

Hundreds of stars in the pretty sky;

Hundreds of shells on the shore together;

Hundreds of birds that go singing by;

Hundreds of bees in the sunny weather.

Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn;

Hundreds of lambs in the purple clover;

Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn;

But only one mother the wide world over.

That says it all, doesn't it? I certainly think so, don't you?

Well, that is all today from Blabbin' Grammy. I wish each of you well and hope you have a glorious blessed day. The weather here is going to be in the mid-80's today, but maybe rain tomorrow and a cooling off. I am going to miss this warm weather.

Love to you all. Bye for now.