| Augustin S. Macdonald, comp. A Collection of Verse by California Poets. 1914. | | | | To Mrs. M—— | | By Richard Realf |
| | On the birth of her first child
WHEN you lay shivering with the great excess | |
| Of mother-marvel at your child’s first cry; | |
| When you looked up and saw him standing by, | |
| Leaning the strong unspeakable utterness | |
| Of all his soul upon you; when you smiled, | 5 |
| And your weak lips strove mightily to frame | |
| To a new song your new life’s oriflamme, | |
| And presently the infinite words, “Our child,” | |
| Made a most musical murmur, as of breath | |
| Breathed by a poet’s spirit—did you know | 10 |
| The babe’s slight moan, that seemed so faint and low, | |
| Was God’s voice speaking from dear Nazareth, | |
| Covering you up with that white light that lay | |
| On Mary and her young Christ in the hay? | | | | |
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