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Don’t  Make the Wrinkles Deeper

Is father’s eyesight growing dim,

His form a little lower?

Is mother’s hair a little gray,

Her step a little slower?

Is life’s hill growing hard to climb?

Make not their pathway steeper;

Smooth out the furrows on their brows;

O, do not make them deeper!

There’s nothing makes a face so young

As joy youth’s fairest token,

And nothing makes a face grow old

Like hearts that have been broken.

Take heed lest deeds of thine should make

Thy -mother be a weeper;

Stamp peace upon a father’s brow;

Don’t make the wrinkles deeper.

In doubtful pathways do not go,

Be tempted not to wander;

Grieve not the hearts that love you so,

But make their love grow fonder,

Much have thy parents borne for thee;

Be now their tender keeper,

And let them lean upon thy love;

Don’t make the wrinkles deeper.

Be lavish with the kindly deeds;

Be patient, true, and. tender,

And make the path that ageward leads

Aglow with earthly splendor.

Some day the dear ones stricken low,

Must yield to death, the reaper,

And you will then be glad to know

You made no wrinkles deeper.”