John Schumann And The Vagabond Crew - To Jim lyrics

I gaze upon my son once more, With eyes and heart that tire, As solemnly he stands before The screen drawn round the fire; With hands behind clasped hand in hand, Now loosely and now fast-- Just as his fathers used to stand For generations past. A fair and slight and childish form, And big brown thoughtful eyes-- God help him! for a life of storm And stress before him lies: A wanderer and a gipsy wild, I've learnt the world and know, For I was such another child-- Ah, many years ago! These lines I write with bitter tears And failing heart and hand, But you will read in after years, And you will understand: You'll hear the slander of the crowd, They'll whisper tales of shame, But days will come when you'll be proud To bear your father's name. I gaze upon my son once more, With eyes and heart that tire, As solemnly he stands before The screen drawn round the fire; Dream on, my son, that all is true And things not what they seem-- 'Twill be a bitter day for you When wakened from your dream.