OH, dwarfed and wronged, and stained with ill, Behold! thou art a woman still! And, by that sacred name and dear, I bid thy better self appear. Still, through thy foul disguise, I see The rudimental purity, That, spite of change and loss, makes good Thy birthright-claim of womanhood; An inward loathing, deep, intense; A shame that is half innocence. Cast off the grave-clothes of thy sin! Rise from the dust thou liest in, As Mary rose at Jesus' word, Redeemed and white before the Lord! Reclaim thy lost soul! In His name Rise up, and break thy bonds of shame. Art weak? He's strong. Art fearful? Hear The world's O'ercomer; "Be of cheer! What lip shall judge when he approves? Who dare to scorn the child He loves? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...NORTH WIND TO DUTIFUL BEAST MIDWAY BETWEEN DIAL & FOOT OF GARDEN CLOCK by MARIANNE MOORE BREAK, BREAK, BREAK by ALFRED TENNYSON SLEEPING AND WAKING by JANE BARLOW THE BONNIE LAD THAT'S FAR AWAY by ROBERT BURNS |