Poem about living in and enjoying one's home and family

[Trinna D.]

Table Cloths     By Edgar A. Guest

Some people, when they sit to eat,
Prefer to see the table neat.
They want the linen spotless white,
The glasses dazzling in the light,
The silverware in trim array.
But, as for me, I often say
Give me glad childhood's table cloth
Well stained with jelly, milk and broth.

Not long in peace could I abide
In houses cold with pomp and pride,
Or dwell where dignity commands
Precision's care from little hands.
I much prefer the happier place
Illumined by a smiling face,
The dining room, where soon I know
A glass of milk will over go.

Be mine the room with laughter filled
Where no one frets o'er what is spilled.
For what are table cloths that they
Should drive all merriment away.
And why think accidents a crime,
Especially at dinner-time.
They gather sorrow for their pains
Who make too much of jelly stains.

I should not like always to dine
Where silverware and glasses shine
And linen white outlasts the meal;
Too sad and lonely should I feel.
In table cloths I take no pride,
I want the children at my side.
My joy is in those splotches red
When jelly dances from the bread.