Who was it taught my husband how
To shoe a horse and hold a plow,
And to all womankind to bow?
My father-in-law.
Who was it taught my useful lord
To drive a nail and saw a board,
And follow truth in deed and word?
My father-in-law.
Who on the dark house-cleaning days
My style and system oft would praise,
And never talk of "mother's ways"?
My father-in-law.
Whom, more than grandma, spoils my sons,
And buys them marbles, knives and guns,
And feeds the baby frosted buns?
My father-in-law.
Who ne'er an unkind word has said
Against the wife his son has wed,
Nor wished another in her stead?
My father-in-law.
And though the world heeds not his name,
Nor yields him glory, wealth or fame,
Deep in my heart he holds a claim '
My father-in-law.
By Sharlott M. Hall