God, give each true good woman

God, give each true, good woman
Her own, small house to keep --
No heart should ache with longing--
No hurt should go to deep--
Guard her age-old desire--
A house to love and sweep.

Give her a man beside her.
A kind man -- and a true--
And let them work together
And love-- a lifetime through.
And let her mother children
As gentle women do.

Give her a shelf for dishes,
And a shining box for bread,
A white cloth for her table,
And a white spread for her bed.
A shaded lamp at nightfall,
And a row of books much read.

God, let her work with laughter,
And let her rest with sleep;
No life can truly offer
A peace more sure and deep--
God, give each true good woman
Her own small house to keep.
--Grace Noel Crowell

Until We Meet Again,

Amy Jo