My Mother

There are interesting finds everywhere in an archives.

This hand written copy of a poem entitled "My Mother" was found tucked into the front cover of the 1912-1921 Fire Log Book for the Moira Fire Company N^o1.

The words written by poet Ann Taylor (1782-1866) must have resonated with the firefighters in the early part of the last century and are an interesting addendum to the list of fires and events in the log.

Research by Al Cleary, digital images by Kieren Delany, Belleville and Hastings County Community Archives file number 3398-1


My Mother

The log is a handsome embossed book

Who fed me from her gentle breast,
And hushed me in her arms to rest,
And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?
            My Mother.

When sleep forsook my open eye,
Who was it sung sweet lullaby,
And rocked me that I should not cry?
            My Mother.

Who sat and watched my infant head,
When sleeping in my cradle bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed?
            My Mother.

When pain and sickness made me cry,
Who gazed upon my heavy eye,
And wept for fear that I should die?
            My Mother.

Who ran to help me when I fell,
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the part to make it well?
            My Mother.

Who taught my infant lips to pray,
To love God's holy word and day,
And walk in wisdom's pleasant way?
            My Mother.

And can I ever cease to be,
Affectionate and kind to thee,
Who wast so very kind to me?
            My Mother.

Oh no! the thought I cannot bear,
And if God please my life to spare,
I hope I shall reward thy care,
            My Mother.

When thou art feeble, old, and gray,
My healthy arm shall be thy stay,
And I will soothe thy pains away,
            My Mother.

And when I see thee hang thy head,
'Twill be my turn to watch thy bed,
And tears of sweet affection shed,
            My Mother.