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

575

When ill, devoted and loving,
In manhood's later years,
She's watched all night by my bedside,
And bathed my face with her tears.
And if I needed her labor
To "keep the wolf from the door,"
She'd work with her dear old fingers
Till she couldn't work any more.
Should I fall as low as the drunkardE'en down to the gutter's slime,
Or were I confined in prison
For a life of sin and crime,
Though the whole world hated, reviled meDeserted by every one,
She would come to me, cling to me, love me,
And call me her own dear son.
She's weary and old and feeble,
'Tis but a short time at best
Ere all her cares will be ended,
Her dear old heart will find rest.
She's marched with the Christian heroes
'Neath the banner of truth unfurled
Till she totters upon the borders
Of the unseen spirit world.
And peaceful, hopeful and faithful,
Ready she seems to stand
Awaiting the angels to summon
Her home to the summerland.
And when they shall welcome dear mother
To her home on heav'nly shores,
I know that the loving angels
Will never turn her out-doors!
And should I ungratefully do so,
And turn her out, and forsake,
My father's bones in his coffin
Would tremble and shudder and shake.