Through the lengths of many winds Women have walked mournfully: Pale women with burdens hanging in their hands, Frail women burned with stars, Thin women hiding grey tears: Each has walked carefully in her dusk, Each has borne pride to a star. And now am I a woman And I have found an indulgent thing, I have found a frantic useful thing, I have worn its touch upon my mouth, Upon my breast -- And it is not for me, Daughter of gaunt women. I have seen their dusk cut with stars, I have seen dead hands clutch at my knees And I will walk bravely. I will wind white crepe upon my arms, I will exalt my pride of body, I will fill my narrow grave: I will be brave, I, daughter of gaunt women. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE DOLLS by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS UNCLE OUT O' DEBT AN' OUT O' DANGER by WILLIAM BARNES ADDRESS TO SUBSCRIBERS .. FUND FOR CLOTHING CHILDREN CHARITY SCHOOL by BERNARD BARTON CHOICE OF EXIT by WILLIAM ROSE BENET SONGS OF THE SEA CHILDREN: 64 by BLISS CARMAN SONGS OF THE SEA CHILDREN: 67 by BLISS CARMAN |