Johnnie SayreFather, thou canst never knowThe anguish that smote my heartFor my disobedience, the moment I feltThe remorseless wheel of the engineSink into the crying flesh of my leg.As they carried me to the home of widow MorrisI could see the school-house in the valleyTo which I played truant to steal rides upon the trains.I prayed to live until I could ask your forgiveness—And then your tears, your broken words of comfort!From the solace of that hour I have gained infinite happiness.Thou wert wise to chisel for me:“Taken from the evil to come.”
Father, thou canst never knowThe anguish that smote my heartFor my disobedience, the moment I feltThe remorseless wheel of the engineSink into the crying flesh of my leg.As they carried me to the home of widow MorrisI could see the school-house in the valleyTo which I played truant to steal rides upon the trains.I prayed to live until I could ask your forgiveness—And then your tears, your broken words of comfort!From the solace of that hour I have gained infinite happiness.Thou wert wise to chisel for me:“Taken from the evil to come.”