The little red calf
For a day and a half
Has blinked in the light —
His blue eyes adaze
In the buttercup-blaze,
He fancies the world is one bright
Fresh field, green and yellow,
A world where a fellow
Whatever betide
May snuggle in safety his mother's warm side.

Little brother, I too
Once fancied as you
The world was one fair
Fresh meadow of flowers
Until the black hours
Burst on me and stripped the mead bare.
O little red brother,
Keep close to your mother
Whatever betide,
And snuggle as long as you may to her side!