THE UNWED MOTHER TO THE WIFE.

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 235, 18 January 1915, Page 10

THE UNWED MOTHER TO THE WIFE.

(By Ella W heeler W ilcox.) 1 had been almost happy for art hour, Lost to the world that knew me in the park Among strange faces; while mj little Kill Leaped with the squirrels, chirruped with the birds, And with the sunlight glowed. She was so dear, So beautiful, so sweet; and for the time The rose of love, shorn of its thorn of shame, Bloomed in my heart. Then suddenly you passed. 1 sat alone upon the public bench; You with your lawful husband rode in state ; And when your eyes fell on me and my child, They were not eyes, but daggers, poison tipped. Cod' how good women -daughter with a look ; And like cold steel, your glance cut thro’ my heart —

Struck every petal from the rose of love, And left the ragged stalk alive with thorns. My little one came running to my side And called me Mother. It was like a blow Between the eyes; and made me si( k with paill. And then it seemed as if each bird and breeze look up the word, and changed its syllables From Mother into Magdalene; and cried My shame to all the world. It was your eyes Which did all fhis. But listen now to me (Not you alone, but .ill the barren wives Wh , like yon, Haunt their virtue in the face Of fallen women); 1 do chance to know The crimes you think are hidden from all men (Save one who took your gold, and sold his skill And jeopardised his name for your base ends). 1 know how you have sunk your souls in sense Like any wanton; and refused to bear The harvest of your pleasure planted seed; I know how you have crushed the tender bud Which held a soul; how you have blighted it. And made the holy mirat le of birth A wicked travesty of (iod - design; Yea, many buds, which might be blossoms now And beautify your selfish, arid life. Have you destroyed because you ( hose to keep The aimless freedom and the purpose less Self-seeking liberty of childless wives. 1 was an untaught girl. Bv nature led, By love and passion blinded. 1 became An unwed mother. You, an honoured wrife, Refuse the crown of motherhood; defy

The laws of nature, and fling bab> souls Back in the face of (iod. And yet you dare Call me a sinner and yourself a saint; And all the world smiles on you, and its doors Swing wide at your approach. 1 stand outside. Surely there must be higher courts than earth, Where you and I will some day meet and be Weighed by a larger Justice?