Just Folks

When Mother Sleeps

          When mother sleeps, a slamming door
            Disturbs her not at all;
          A man might walk across the floor
            Or wander through the hall
          A pistol shot outside would not
            Drive slumber from her eyes—
          But she is always on the spot
            The moment baby cries.

          The thunder crash she would not hear,
            Nor shouting in the street;
          A barking dog, however near,
            Of sleep can never cheat
          Dear mother, but I've noticed this
            To my profound surprise:
          That always wide-awake she is
            The moment baby cries.

          However weary she may be,
            Though wrapped in slumber deep,
          Somehow it always seems to me
            Her vigil she will keep.
          Sound sleeper that she is, I take
            It in her heart there lies
          A love that causes her to wake
            The moment baby cries.