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...MEDITATION ON A JUNE EVENING by CONRAD AIKEN THE GENERAL PUBLIC by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET I'VE NEVER SEEN SUCH A REAL HARD TIME BEFORE' by HAYDEN CARRUTH NOTHING WILL CURE THE SICK LION BUT TO EAT AN APE' by MARIANNE MOORE TUNICA PALLIO PROPRIOR by MARIANNE MOORE |