Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Andrew BiceSaxton

1444 The First Step

MY little one begins his feet to try,

A tottering, feeble, inconsistent way;

Pleased with the effort, he forgets his play,

And leaves his infant baubles where they lie.

Laughing and proud his mother flutters nigh,

Turning to go, yet joy-compelled to stay,

And, bird-like, singing what her heart would say;

But not so certain of my bliss am I.

For I bethink me of the days in store

Wherein those feet must traverse realms unknown,

And half forget the pathway to our door.

And I recall that in the seasons flown

We were his all—as he was all our own—

But never can be quite so any more.