Lays and Legends (Second Series)

THE WOMAN'S WORLD

Oh! to be alone!
To escape from the work, the play,
The talking, everyday;
To escape from all I have done,
And all that remains to do.
To escape, yes, even from you,
My only love, and be
Alone, and free.

Could I only stand
Between gray moor and gray sky
Where the winds and the plovers cry,
And no man is at hand.
And feel the free wind blow
On my rain-wet face, and know
I am free – not yours – but my own.
Free – and alone!

For the soft fire-light
And the home of your heart, my dear,
They hurt – being always here.
I want to stand up – upright
And to cool my eyes in the air
And to see how my back can bear
Burdens – to try, to know,
To learn, to grow!

I am only you!
I am yours – part of you – your wife!
And I have no other life.
I cannot think, cannot do,
I cannot breathe, cannot see;
There is "us," but there is not "me" —
And worst, at your kiss, I grow
Contented so.