Johnnie Sayre + 

Father, thou canst never know + 

The anguish that smote my heart + 

For my disobedience, the moment I felt + 

The remorseless wheel of the engine + 

Sink into the crying flesh of my leg. + 

As they carried me to the home of widow Morris + 

I could see the school-house in the valley + 

To which I played truant to steal rides upon the trains. + 

I prayed to live until I could ask your forgiveness⁠— + 

And then your tears, your broken words of comfort! + 

From the solace of that hour I have gained infinite happiness. + 

Thou wert wise to chisel for me: + 

“Taken from the evil to come.” + 