She came tonight as I sat alone

The girl I used to be.

And she gazed at me with her earnest eye

And questioned reproachfully:



Have you forgotten the many plans

And hopes I had for you?

The great career, the splendid fame,

All the wonderful things to do?



Where is the mansion of stately height

With all its gardens rare?

The silken robes that I dreamed for you

And the jewels in your hair?



And as she spoke, I was very sad,

For I wanted her pleased with me,

This slender girl from the shadowy past,

The girl that I used to be.



So gently rising, I took her hand

And guided her up the stairs

Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay,

Innocent, sweet, and fair.



And I told her that these are my only gems,

And precious they are to me;

That silken robes is my motherhood

Of costly simplicity.



And my mansion of stately height is love,

And the only career I know

Is serving each day in these sheltered walls

For the dear ones who come and go



And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,

She smiled through her tears at me.

And I saw the woman that I am now

Pleased the girl I used to be.

Rowena K. Lewis