Weighing the Baby

“how many pounds does the baby weigh—   Baby who came but a month ago? How many pounds from the crowning curl   To the rosy point of the restless toe?” Grandfather ties the ’kerchief knot,   Tenderly guides the swinging weight, And carefully over his glasses peers   To read the record, “Only eight.” Softly the echo goes around:   The father laughs at the tiny girl; The fair young mother sings the words,   While grandmother smooths the golden curl. And stooping above the precious thing,   Nestles a kiss within a prayer, Murmuring softly “Little one,   Grandfather did not weigh you fair.” Nobody weighed the baby’s smile,   Or the love that came with the helpless one; Nobody weighed the threads of care,   From which a woman’s life is spun. No index tells the mighty worth   Of a little baby’s quiet breath— A soft, unceasing metronome,   Patient and faithful until death. Nobody weighed the baby’s soul,   For here on earth no weights there be That could avail; God only knows   Its value in eternity. Only eight pounds to hold a soul   That seeks no angel’s silver wing, But shrines it in this human guise,   Within so frail and small a thing! Oh, mother! laugh your merry note,   Be gay and glad, but don’t forget From baby’s eyes looks out a soul   That claims a home in Eden yet.