The woman was old and ragged and gray 
And bent with the chill of the winter's day. 
The street was wet with a recent snow 
And the woman's feet were aged and slow. 

She stood at the crossing and waited long, 
Alone, uncared for, amid the throng 
Of human beings who passed her by 
Nor heeded the glance of her anxious eye. 

Down the street, with laughter and shout, 
Glad in the freedom of "school let out," 
Came the boys like a flock of sheep, 
Hailing the snow piled white and deep. 

Past the woman so old and gray 
Hastened the children on their way 
Nor offering a helping hand to her 
So meek, so timid, afraid to stir 

Lest the carriage wheels or the horses' feet 
Should crowd her down in the slippery street. 
At last came one of the merry troop, 
The gayest laddie of all the group. 

He paused beside her and whispered low, 
"I'll help you cross, if you wish to go." 
Her aged hand on his strong young arm 
She placed, and so, without hurt or harm, 

He guided the trembling feet along, 
Proud that his own were firm and strong. 
Then back again to his friends he went, 
His young heart happy and well content. 

"She's somebody's mother, boys, you know, 
For all she's aged and poor and slow. 
And I hope some fellow will lend a hand 
To help my mother, you understand, 

If ever she's poor and old and gray, 
When her own dear boy is far away." 
And "somebody's mother" bowed her head 
In her home that night, and the prayer she said 

Was, "God be kind to the noble boy, 
Who is somebody's son, and pride and joy!" 

Mary Dow Brine