Since it turns out the poem was not written by the original poet's relative, the following is analogous:
A Parental Ode to My Son
Aged Three Years and Five Months
---Thomas Hood
Thou happy, happy elf!
(But stop,--first let me kiss away that tear!)
Thou tiny image of myself!
(My love, he's poking peas into his ear!)
Thou merry, laughing sprite,
With spirits feather-light,
Untouched by sorrow, and unspoiled by sin,--
(My dear, the child is swallowing a pin!)
The father's pride and hope!
(He'll break the mirror with that skipping rope!)
With pure heart newly stamped from nature's mint,
(Where did he learn that squint?)
Thou young domestic dove!
(He'll have that jug off with another shove!)
Dear nursling of the hymeneal nest!
(Are those torn cloths his best?)
Little epitome of man!
(He'll climb upon the table, that's his plan!)
Touched with the beauteous tints of dawning life,--
(He's got a knife!)
[etc.]
