Part 17 (1/2)

Some have beauty, some have grace, Some look nice in silk and lace, But the one that takes first place Is Ma.

Sweetest singer in the land is Ma.

She that has the softest hand Is Ma.

Tenderest, gentlest nurse is she, Full of fun as she can be, An' the only girl for me Is Ma.

Bet if there's an angel here It's Ma.'

if G.o.d has a sweetheart dear, It's Ma.

Take the girls that artists draw, An' all the girls I ever saw, The only one without a flaw Is Ma.

Up to the Ceiling

Up to the ceiling And down to the floor, Hear him now squealing And calling for more.

Laughing and shouting, ”Away up!” he cries.

Who could be doubting The love in his eyes.

Heigho! my baby!

And heigho! my son!

Up to the ceiling Is wonderful fun.

Bigger than daddy And bigger than mother; Only a laddie, But bigger than brother.

Laughing and crowing And squirming and wriggling, Cheeks fairly glowing, Now cooing and giggling!

Down to the cellar, Then quick as a dart Up to the ceiling Brings joy to the heart.

Gone is the hurry, The anguish and sting, The heartache and worry That business cares bring; Gone is the hustle, The clamor for gold, The rush and the bustle The day's affairs hold.

Peace comes to the battered Old heart of his dad, When ”up to the ceiling”

He plays with his lad.

Thanksgiving

Gettin' together to smile an' rejoice, An' eatin' an' laughin' with folks of your choice; An' kissin' the girls an' declarin' that they Are growin more beautiful day after day; Chattin' an' braggin' a bit with the men, Buildin' the old family circle again; Livin' the wholesome an' old-fas.h.i.+oned cheer, Just for awhile at the end of the year.

Greetings fly fast as we crowd through the door And under the old roof we gather once more Just as we did when the youngsters were small; Mother's a little bit grayer, that's all.

Father's a little bit older, but still Ready to romp an' to laugh with a will.

Here we are back at the table again Tellin' our stories as women an men.

Bowed are our heads for a moment in prayer; Oh, but we're grateful an' glad to be there.

Home from the east land an' home from the west, Home with the folks that are dearest an' best.

Out of the sham of the cities afar We've come for a time to be just what we are.