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...CONTEMPLATIONS by ANNE BRADSTREET THE MAYFLOWER [DECEMBER 21, 1620] by ERASTUS WOLCOTT ELLSWORTH SAILING BEYOND SEAS (OLD STYLE) by JEAN INGELOW BROODING GRIEF by DAVID HERBERT LAWRENCE EXCELSIOR by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE SONG OF HIAWATHA: HIAWATHA AND MUDJEKEEWIS by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW |