One day I joined a club. They said That I must speak or write. So I did both. I wrote and read A speech one fateful night. It made a hit, but proved, alack, A death blow to poor ‘Mrs. Jack.’

p. 102As ‘Mrs. Mabel Smith’ I’m known Throughout my town and State; My heart feels widowed and alone; The case is intricate. Though darling Jack is mine, the same, I am divorced somehow in name.

p. 102

Just ‘Mabel Smith’ I can endure; It leaves the world in doubt; But ‘Mrs.’ makes the marriage sure, Yet leaves the husband out. It sounds like Reno, or the tomb, And always fills me full of gloom.

They say the honours are all mine; Well, I would trade the pack For one sweet year in which to shine Again as ‘Mrs. Jack.’ That gave to life a core, a pith, Not found by ‘Mrs. Mabel Smith.’

For one suggests the chosen mate, And all the joy love brings; And one suggests a delegate To federated things. p. 103I’m built upon the old-time plan— I like to supplement a man.

p. 103

If on each point of glory’s star My name shone like a pearl, I’d feel a pleasure greater far In being ‘Jack Smith’s girl.’ It is ridiculous, I know, But then, you see, I’m fashioned so.

p. 104THE SWORD

p. 104

Amidst applauding cheers I won a prize. A cynic watched me, with ironic eyes; An open foe, in open hatred, sneered; I cared for neither. Then my friend appeared. Eager, I listened for his glad ‘Well done.’ But sudden shadow seemed to shroud my sun. He praised me: yet each slow, unwilling word Forced from its sheath base Envy’s hidden sword, Two-edged, it wounded me; but, worst of all, It thrust my friend down from his pedestal, And showed him as he was—so small, so small.

p. 105LOVE AND THE SEASONS

p. 105

SPRING

A sudden softness in the wind; A glint of song, a-wing; A fragrant sound that trails behind, And joy in everything.

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