Baby Louise

Margaret Winship Eytinge (“Madge Elliot”) (b. 1833)

I ’M in love with you, Baby Louise!

With your silken hair, and your soft blue eyes,

And the dreamy wisdom that in them lies,

And the faint, sweet smile you brought from the skies,—

God’s sunshine, Baby Louise.

When you fold your hands, Baby Louise,

Your hands, like a fairy’s, so tiny and fair,

With a pretty, innocent, saint-like air,

Are you trying to think of some angel-taught prayer

You learned above, Baby Louise?

I ’m in love with you, Baby Louise!

Why! you never raise your beautiful head!

Some day, little one, your cheek will grow red

With a flush of delight, to hear the word said,

“I love you,” Baby Louise.

Do you hear me, Baby Louise?

I have sung your praises for nearly an hour,

And your lashes keep drooping lower and lower,

And—you ’ve gone to sleep, like a weary flower,

Ungrateful Baby Louise!