What will the birdies do mother in the spring

When they gather the crumbs 'round my door

Will they fly from their nest in the top of the tree

And ask why Joe wanders out no more

What will the kitten do mother all alone

To stray from his frolic for the day

Will he lie on the rug beside my bed

Like he did before I went away

And what of Thomas the old gardener dear

When you ask him for flowers for me

Will he give you rose he has tended with care

The fairest of that lot 'round the tree

I saw the tears come into his honest eye

He said it was the wind that brought them there

But he gazed on my cheeks growin' paler each day

His hand trembled over my hair

Keep tag mother my little dog

Blind and helpless it's true

Three came with come else as older he grows

The sleepin' the whole Summer thru

Show him coat mother so he may know

That his master then will be dead

Speak to him kindly and often of Joe

And pat him on his brown shaggy head

And you dearest mother shall miss me but awhile

For in heaven I shall no larger grow

And any kind angel you meet at the gate

Can take you to your darlin' little Joe