Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SECOND WIFE, by EMILY DAWSON CRAIN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SECOND WIFE, by                    
First Line: I know that what you say is true, and yet
Last Line: (I wouldn't have had things different if I could.)
Subject(s): Solitude; Loneliness


I know that what you say is true, and yet,
If I could choose -- of course I have no choice --
But still, if I could choose, I think I'd keep
Things just the way they are. I know you think
You're doing what is right to tell me this.
Oh, please forgive me ... I am tired, I guess.
It's been a lonesome day to stay at home
Alone without him -- and the baby gone
To school. The way she's grown! I hardly know
Or realize how big she really is.
Yes, she was four the year we married. Now
She's six and starting off to school, and still
I think of her as "baby". All the house
Has seemed so empty. I am glad you came;
It's hours yet before my baby comes
From school ... I know you smile to hear me call
Her "mine"; and yet, I think of her as mine
And his ... I never saw her mother. Though
I've heard him say she had her mother's eyes ...
Of course he talks of her -- I'd want him to ...
Don't look so grieved. You act as if you thought
I'd never known he loved somebody else.
And yet you said yourself, just after you
Came in, that he had loved his first wife so ...
I don't know why you said it -- least of all
To me -- for that was understood, and I'd
Not have it different, even if I could.

He loved her. Yes -- I hope he always will,
At least the memory of her ... Does that
Seem queer to you? Oh, how can I explain --
She was a part of his own life, as I
Am now. I do not mean I took her place;
I could not, even if I tried. You see,
She shaped his life as he was then. She helped
To make him as he is today, into
The man I love ... I hadn't meant to tell
So much to you -- or anyone. I had
Not even thought it out myself ...
She put
The look of gentleness and peace within
His eyes. Her death had brought a sadness there
That only made me want to comfort him,
But not to take her place. I'd rather have
The place that's all my own ... Can you see that?
Somehow I think perhaps she'd understand,
Be happier, too, to know the way I feel,
And know I love the baby as my own ...
It's early yet ... Don't go! The baby's still
At school, but he'll be coming soon ... He's due.
... Oh, thank you for the things you said. I know
You meant to help -- and I am glad to talk
It over, too, with you ... Come back again ...
I think I hear somebody coming now ...
Is it? ... But, oh, it is ... He's coming home ...
I see him smiling quite as if he knew
He'd find me waiting just inside the door.
(I wouldn't have had things different if I could.)





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