Дора Сигерсон Шортер (Dora Sigerson Shorter)

A Changeling

My Future lay cradled asleep;
I kissed the sweet mouth and she smiled
With a promise of all she should be,
Womanhood crowning the child—
Her wings that would grow with her growth,
Till they bore her to heaven at last;
When she queened in the world awhile,
Then all the sweet mockery past.
So closing my eyes while I dreamt,
Thus praying on her behalf,
I could but think I had slept,
For I woke with an elfin laugh.
What fairy had crept through the door
To leave me this changeling child,
Who looked on my tears with a laugh,
And mocked at my prayers as she smiled?