AN OLD MAIDS LAMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1657, 8 November 1887, Page 4

AN OLD MAIDS LAMENT.

Every wild shs-bird has nest and male in the warm October weather, But a captive woman, made for love, nor nest oor mate lias she. In the spring of you-ig desire young men and maids are wed together, And the happy mothers flaunt their bliss for all the world to see— Life’s great sacramental featt for them is an empty board for me,

I, a young maid once, an old maid now, deposed, despised, forgotten, 1, like them, have thrilled wiih passioo and have dreamed of nuptial rest, Of the trembling life within me, of my baby unbegotten, Of the breathing new-born body to my yearning bosom preat, Of the rapture of its little mouth drinking at my breast. Time that hea's »o many sorrows, keeps mine ever freah'y ach'ng, Though my face is growing furrowed and my brown hair turning white, Still 1 mourn my irredeemable loss, asleep or waking, Still I hear my child's voice calling “ Mother” in the dead of.night, And I’m haunted by those sweet eyes that never will see the light. Oh, rny baby that I might have had ! My darling lost for ever ! Oh, tlie goodly years ttmt might have been—now desolate for ever ! Oh, a nd, or fate, what have I done that 1 should never Take my birthright like the others—take, the crown that women we«r— And possess the common heritage to w*Hich all flesh is heir 1 —Exchange,,