When I was a child my mother used to recite a poem which began, "I love you mother, said little Nell, I love you more than words can tell..." It goes on to say how each of her children declared their love then raced off to play ... all but one, and that child stayed behind and helped with all the day's work. It ended by saying, "Then at night when she laid to rest, which of her children love her best?" I can't find it anywhere and would really like to have it since it was one of my mother's last memories before her death. Can anyone help?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/03/2022 01:18PM by StephenFryer.

WHICH LOVED BEST? by Joy Allison (1917)

"I love you, Mother, said little John;
Then, forgetting his work, his cap went on.
And he was off to the garden swing,
Leaving his mother the wood to bring.

"I love you, Mother, said rosy Nell,
"I love you better than tongue can tell."
Then she teased and pouted full half the day.
Till her mother was glad when she went to play.

I love you, Mother," said little Fan,
"To-day I'll help you all that I can;
How glad I am that school doesn't keep!"
So she rocked the babe till he fell asleep.

Then stepping softly, she took the broom,
And swept the floor, and dusted the room.
Busy and happy all day was she;
Helpful and happy as a child could be.

"I love you, Mother," again they said,
Three little children going to bed.
How do you think that mother guessed
Which of them really loved her best?