Rising Morning's Cheerful Call

dear son, the day is brightening the hall

I hear your sighs, your bleary eyes I see:

heed now the rising morning's cheerful call

see how the sunbeams creep across the wall,

those warming rays that make the darkness flee;

dear son, the day is brightening the hall

the night is gone, the dayspring summons all,

the time has come for you to waking be:

heed now the rising morning's cheerful call

adventures wait: the lands and rivers call,

inviting you to join their revelry:

dear son, the day is brightening the hall

the myrtle fair, the dark magnolia tall,

the flitting finch, the dulcet chickadee

heed now the rising morning's cheerful call

no need for fear: whatever may befall,

the Savior, watchful, strong and near is He;

dear son, the day is brightening the hall,

heed now the rising morning's cheerful call

---

a villanelle for my sister

and brother-in-law & complement to "Sweet and Quiet Lullaby"