Home › Contents › Jean Ingelow

Jean Ingelow

EDDY-BOY by the window stands, Watching the leaves as they downward fall; Watching the shadows that gather so fast, And hearing the birds to their children call.

What is my little boy thinking about, Standing so silently there?

And why those tears in his pretty blue eyes?

And that frown on his forehead so fair?

Teddy is trying perhaps to forget That a boy he knows of, and just his size, Has been very naughty, so much so, indeed, That the little boy's mamma had tears in her eyes.

But Ted can't forget, though he tries very hard, And he thinks his mamma might speak, And he wishes it wouldn't grow dark so soon, And-a tear rolls down his cheek.

The little brown birds to their children call, But no one calls "Teddy, come here, my pet!"

And mother's kisses and twilight songs Are good things Teddy can never forget.

But kisses and songs are for good little boys, So Teddy must go without Unless he is sorry and says so-then Mamma will forgive him, no doubt.

Oh, fast fall the shadows, and fast fall the tears Down a pair of cheeks flushing so red, And presently - "Teddy is sorry!" sobs he, And mother's breast pillows a golden head.

Then fast fall the kisses on cheek and on brow, And though it is twilight, you know, Yet to Teddy and mamma the sunshine has come Like the warmth of a noonday's glow.