The pitter-patter of tiny feet

Posted by Henry on August 26, 2003

In Reply to: The pitter patter of little feet posted by masakim on August 25, 2003

: : Does anyone know where this phrase (the pitter patter of little feet) comes from? Is it part of a quotation or longer phrase?

: : Thanks!
: : Gambrill
: : Houston, TX

: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "The Children's Hour"

: Between the dark and the daylight,
: When the night is beginning to lower,
: Comes a pause in the day's occupations,
: That is known as the Children's Hour.

: I hear in the chamber above me
: The patter of little feet,
: The sound of a door that is opened,
: And voices soft and sweet.

: www.americanpoems.com/ poets/longfellow/thechildren.shtml

Thank you. The phrase now often heard is along the lines of "Soon there'll be the pitter-patter of tiny feet", meaning that a couple will soon start a family.