To A Sister

A fresh young voice that sings to me So often many a simple thing, Should surely not unanswered be By all that I can sing. Dear voice, be happy every way A thousand changing tones among, From little child's unfinished lay To angel's perfect song. In dewy woods-fair, soft, and green Like morning woods are childhood's bower- Be like the voice of brook unseen Among the stones and flowers; A joyful voice though born so low, And making all its neighbours glad; Sweet, hidden, constant in its flow Even when the winds are sad. So, strengthen in a peaceful home, And daily deeper meanings bear; And when life's wildernesses come Be brave and faithful there. Try all the glorious magic range, Worship, forgive, console, rejoice, Until the last and sweetest change- So live and grow, dear voice.