What will the birds do, Mother, in the spring
Will they gather the crumbs around our door?
Will they fly from the nest in the top of the trees
And ask why Joe wanders out no more?
And what will the kitten do, mother, all alone?
Will he stray from his frolic for a day?
Will he lay on the rug by beside my bed
Like he did before I went away?
And what will Thomas, the old gardener do
When you ask him for flowers for me?
Will he give you a rose he has tended with care
Fairest of that lot 'round thе tree?
Well, I saw the tears come to his honest eyes
He said it was the wind that brought them there
As he gazed on my cheeks growing paler each day
His hands trembled over my hair
Won't you keep Tag, Mother? My little dog
So blind and helpless, it's true
Treat him with kindness the older he grows
Sleeping the whole summer through
Won't you show him my coat, Mother, so he may know
His master then will be dead?
Talk to him kindly and often of Joe
And pat him on his brown shaggy head
And you, dearest Mother, shall miss me a while
In Heaven I shall no larger grow
And any a-kind angel you meet at the gate
Gon' take you to your darling little Joe