He headed the procession
On many a parade.
He heard the ringing echoes
Where loud applause was made.
But naught has ever equalled
The time in early youth
When first his folks discovered
That he had cut a tooth.
He published learned volumes
And speeches made galore.
He traveled and was feted
The land and ocean o’er.
But never was the hero
So praised and sung, forsooth,
As on that vanished midnight
When first he cut a tooth.
[Illustration of a heart overlaid with a young child. The child sits
with legs straight out in front, right hand near mouth, and left hand
holding what appears to be a rattle.]
“I held a sea shell to my ears” (1928)
I held a sea shell to my ears
A little while today,
And heard the echo of the years
Sounding from far away.
I heard ten thousand soft good-byes
To hearts that needs must roam,
Ten thousand weekly muffled cries
For ships that came not home.
I heard the story of the dreams
Of those who journeyed far,
But brought not back Wealth’s shining gleams
To the home harbor bar.
I heard the story of the brave
Who Freedom’s burdens bore,
Who fought their battles on the wave
But struggle now no more.