Begin their weary way....
To win a place along the road,
We travel day by day.
Her heart is in her footsteps small,
And though she walks unsure...
She gains the threshold to the world.
Her heart and soul are pure.
New shoes are found to dress the feet
That wend their way to school.
Now here the steps become a stair,
And life becomes a duel.
A swirling mass of silken sheen
Embrace the stepping feet....
Clad in the dancing shoes of a girl,
Lovable, proud and sweet.
Now, commencements pomp and joy...
Bring steps of marching youth.
Here march again the girlish feet,
In wisdom, strength and truth.
The footsteps walk more slowly now
As quite reigns the place,
As she, the smiling breath of youth,
Takes on a woman's grace.
A ring upon her finger now.
A love song in her soul.
She walks a new and holy path
To gain another goal.
Within her life begins to grow,
And then the cherished day.
Two tiny feet in soft soled shoes
Begin their weary way.
Written for first daughter Linae' 1953
By Carol Bouche' Ottlinger
Copyright 1955