My lot grew lighter day by day;
The children grew apace;
I built a little house last May--
No palace like that place.
And--"Father, " said she, "sure you know
That once we ate dry bread?
Into our own house now we go!"--
The mother, she is dead! Her house the undertaker made,
And not the carpenter;
My grace unsaid, the pastor prayed
In loud tones over her.
The day that's spent with merriment,
'Mid blossoms blue and red,
No music lent--my heart was rent!--
The mother, she is dead. We pulled together many a year;
Like old bird-mates were we;
But who e'er thinks of dying here
While both together be?
Fast barred is every window-blind--
I care not what is said;
Yes, sell the house! I do not mind--
The mother, she is dead!