Classic Poem

There is a wonder in this common world,
Which never sage nor poet understood,
Since the first nestling its bright wing unfurled—
The holy, tender grace of motherhood.

And thou, who watchest, hovering, the flight
Of thy young birds, half glad, half sad to see
The strengthening wing-beat and the bolder height—
Oh! how that wonder lives and grows in thee!

For many virtuous women have there been,
And many with the wonder in their eyes;
But none like thee, I wis, hath yet been seen,
Since Lemuel's mother taught him to be wise.