I came across this poem two years ago and I liked how the man is questioned to see if he is worthy of her love. I’d like to write about the role, duties and characteristics of husbands as that point of view is not as common as the wives one. I believe it’s important to get a proper view of marriage. If we only read about the wife’s role we can get a false impression. That’s why we need to hear more about the husband’s part. This poem gives both men and women several things to think about and I thought it would make a good introductory item.
A Woman’s Question
by Lena Lathrop
Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing,
Ever made by the Hand above?
A woman’s heart and a woman’s life,
And a woman’s wonderful 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,
With 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 soul,
Until I have questioned thee.
You require that your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirts be whole;
I require that your heart be as true as God’s stars,
And as pure as His heaven, your soul.
You require a cook for your mutton and beef,
I require a far greater thing.
A seamstress you’re wanting for socks and shirts,
I look for a man and a king.
A king for the beautiful realm called Home,
And a man that his Maker God, could,
Look upon just as He did at 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 amid the falling leaves,
As you did ‘mong the blossoms of May?
Is your heart an ocean, strong and true,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell,
On the day she is made a bride.
I require all things that are grand and free,
All things that a man should be;
If you give this all, I would stake my life,
To be all you demand of me.
If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook,
You can hire and little to pay;
But a woman’s heart and a woman’s life
Are not to be won that way.
About The Author
Love it! I feel like I’ve heard it before, but it’s still great! :D
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Wonderful!
I so agree.. sometimes we tend to overlook these things, and the other view… what a man should be.
Thank you for sharing, Robert!
Leah Kathryn
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