Thomas Humphry Ward, ed. The English Poets. 1880–1918.rnVol. V. Browning to Rupert Brooke

Mary Elizabeth Coleridge (1861–1907)

A Mother to Her Baby

WHERE were you, Baby?

Where were you, dear?

Even I have known you

Only a year.

You were born, Baby,

When I was born,

Twelve months ago you

Left me forlorn.

Why did you leave me,

Heart of my heart?

Then I was all of you,

Now you are part.

You lived while I lived,

We two were one.

We two are two now

While the days run.

Every maid born, love,

Womanly, mild,

Is in herself, love,

Mother and child.