A Woman's Question (Excerpt) - by Lena Lathop

Do you know you asked for the costliest thing

Ever made by the Hand above?

A woman's heart, a woman's life -

And a wonderful woman's love. 

Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing

As a child might ask for a toy?

Demanding what others have died to win

Win the reckless dash of a boy. 

You have written my lesson of duty out,

Manlike, you have questioned me.

Now stand at the bars of my woman's heart,

Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall always be hot,

Your socks and your shirt be whole;

I require your heart be true as God's stars

And as pure as heaven your soul.

A king for the beautiful realm called home,

And a man that his Maker, God,

Shall look upon as he did on the first

And say: "It is very good."

I am fair and young, but the rose may fade

From this soft young cheek one day; 

Will you love me then 'mid the falling leaves,

As you did among the blossoms of May?

Is your heart an ocean so strong and true, 

I may launch my all on its tide?

A loving woman finds heaven or hell

The day she is made a bride.

I require all things that are grand and true,

All things that a man should be;

If you give all this, I would stake my life

To be all you demand of me.