Treasures

 

Some folks I know, when friends drop in

 To visit for awhile and chin, 

Just lead them round the rooms and halls

 And show them pictures on their wall, 

And point to rugs and tapestries 

The works of men across the seas; 

Their loving cups they show with pride, 

To eyes that soon are stretching wide 

With wonder at the treasures rare 

That have been bought and gathered there. 

 But when folks come to call on me, 

I've no such things for them to see. 

No picture on my walls is great; 

I have no ancient family plate; 

No tapestry of rare design 

Or costly woven rugs are mine; 

I have no loving cup to show, 

Or strange and valued curio; 

But if my treasures they would see, 

I bid them softly follow me. 

 And then I lead them up the stairs 

Through trains of cars and Teddy bears, 

And to a little room we creep 

Where both my youngsters lie asleep, 

Close locked in one another's arms. 

I let them gaze upon their charms, 

I let them see the legs of brown

 Curled up beneath a sleeping gown, 

And whisper in my happiness: 

"Behold the treasures I possess." 

 Written by Edgar Guest