As I went up and he came down, my little six-year boy,
Upon the stairs we met and kissed, I and my tender Joy.
Oh! fond and true, as lovers do, we kissed and clasped and parted;
And I went up and he went down, refreshed and happy-hearted.
What need was there for any words, his face against my face?
And in the silence heart to heart spoke for a little space
Of tender things and thoughts on wings, and secrets none discovers;
And I went up and he went down, a pair of happy lovers.
His clinging arms about my neck, what need was there for words?
Oh, little heart that beat so fast like any fluttering bird’s!
“I love,” his silence said; “I love,” my silence answered duly;
And I went up and he went down comforted wonderfully.