Sarah Collins Fernandis, "The Children's Open Door" (1909)
In their rags, and their unkemptness, with their wistful, pleading faces?
Have you watched these little people-men and women in the making,
Till for the very pity of them your heart seemed near to breaking-
Pity for their ill-grown bodies, for their stunted souls' distortion,
For the husks and dregs of living meted to them for their portion?
Yet, despair not for these children. Know ye, by these happy tokens,
By these blessed indications, that their Door of Hope wide opens:
By all city parks and playgrounds, healthful, ample, breathing places;
By all cool retreats and havens out in God's own country places;
By all true, sweet lives that touch theirs and inspire their emulation;
By all laws to lift and save them, framed by builders of the nation.
Hark! a pleasant tumult rises, hurrying feet and laughing voices,
As they crowd the blessed threshold and each little life rejoices!
So these little ones ye "suffer" by assistance wise and loving,
So the needy gain their birthright, and the Master smiles, approving.
Published in Southern Workman, May 1909