He told a homely tale

He told a homely tale
And spotted it with tears --
Upon his infant face was set
The Cicatrice of years --

All crumpled was the cheek
No other kiss had known
Than flake of snow, divided with
The Redbreast of the Barn --

If Mother -- in the Grave --
Or Father -- on the Sea --
Or Father in the Firmament --
Or Brethren, had he --

If Commonwealth below,
Or Commonwealth above
Have missed a Barefoot Citizen --
I've ransomed it -- alive --