Pioneer history of Ingham County, compiled and arranged by Mrs. Franc L. Adams, secretary of the Ingham County pioneer and historical society.

LANSING TOWNSHIP AND CITY, WITH HISTORY

573

TURNING MOTHER OUT-DOORS.
Written by BYRON M. BROWNE, for the "Lansing Republican,"
May 2, 1870.
You say you had a forewarning
That soon there would be a fuss,
From the very day that mother
Came here to reside with us;
And from the severest of trials
The wise conclusion you draw
No house in the world's large enough
For a wife and her mother-in-law!
You say you have suffered in silence
The deepest grief of your life,
And patiently tried to bear it
And be a devoted wife;
And that you'll suffer no longerNot even a single day;
And you've made up your mind in earnest
That mother must go away!
I have silently heard your scolding,
While my heart was full of pain;
But now I will do some talkingIt is better for both to be plain.
I earned this home for you, Nellie,
And blessed it with labor's stores;
And now you want to be turning
My poor old mother out-doors!
I'm sorry there's been any trouble,
And sorry you can't agree;
God knows my heart is in anguish;
You're both very dear to me.