Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A WIFE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I stretch out both my hands to you
Last Line: For all their wistful prayer to you!
Alternate Author Name(s): Faulks, Frederick J., Mrs.
Subject(s): Household Employees; Marriage; Sexism; Slavery; Women; Servants; Domestics; Maids; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Serfs


I STRETCH out both my hands to you --
It pleased you once to call them fair;
Look now and see if anywhere
Are hands more scarred and worn than these
That lost their fairness serving you.

I lift up my two eyes to you --
It pleased you once to call them sweet;
Judge now if any eyes repeat
Their lack of light -- poor eyes that wept
Their sweetness out in guarding you.

O hands and eyes once dear to you,
I would not they had served you less,
Yet hands like these who might caress,
Nor eyes like these win love again
For all their wistful prayer to you!





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