In My Garden - After Thought

After Thought

I scolded them

Because their toys lay scattered on the floor,

A bright array of crayons, and coloring books,

And dolls and cars and building blocks,

And because there was jam on her dress

And grass stains on his knees.

So I sent them off to bed,

But when I came to hear their prayers,

And tuck the cover 'round,

They smiled such lovely smiles

And small arms hugged me tight.

I placed a kiss on each cheek

And turned to the happy task

Of gathering up their treasures for the morrow.

God loaned them to me for this brief time

To teach me patience and love

And to help me open wide the gates of heaven,

But I falter along

And 'mid the weariness of daily tasks

Mark not the passing time.

So I must stop and watch,

And gather up and store

The golden moments of these days

To use when my floors shall be bare and clean

And empty as my heart.

The Writings of Zelda Lorraine Brown Kline

Edited by Owen A. Kline and Michael E. Kline. Assistant Photo Editor David O. Kline

Copyright @1999 The Kline Family Organization, Inc.

First published in the United States of America by The Kline Family Organization, Inc. 4381 West 5375 South Kearns, Utah 84118