| Poems by Women |
The Breaking
(The Lord God speaks to a
youth)
Bend now thy body to the common weight!
(But oh, that
vine-clad head, those limbs of morn!
Those proud young shoulders I myself
made straight!
How shall ye wear the yoke that must be worn?)
Look thou, my son, what wisdom comes to thee!
(But oh, that singing mouth,
those radiant eyes!
Those dancing feet -- that I myself made free!
How
shall I sadden them to make them wise?)
Nay then, thou shalt! Resist not, have a care!
(Yea, I must work my
plans who sovereign sit!
Yet do not tremble so! I cannot bear
--
Though I am God -- to see thee so submit!)
From: Rittenhouse, Jessie B.
The Second Book of Modern Verse (1919).
This poet:
[Author index]
This collection assembled by Jone Johnson Lewis.
Collection © 1999-2002 Jone Johnson Lewis.
Citing poems from these pages:
| Author. "Poem Title." Women's History: Poems by Women. Jone Johnson Lewis, editor. URL: (date of logon) |
