Rowena K. Lewis
 

She came tonight as I sat alone
The girl I used to be
And she gazed at me with her earnest eyes
And questioned reproachfully

Have you forgotten the many plans
And hopes I had for you
The great career, the splendid fame
All the wonderful things to do

Where is the mansion of stately height
With all of its gardens rare
The silken robes that I dreamed for you
And the shining jewels in your hair

And as she spoke, I was very sad
For I wanted her pleased with me...
This slender girl from the shadowy past
The girl I used to be

So gently rising, I took her hand
And guided her up the stairs
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay
Innocent, sweet and fair

And I told her that these are my only gems
And precious they are to me
That silken robe is my motherhood
Of costly simplicity

And my mansion of stately height is love
And the only career I know
Is serving each day in these sheltered walls
For the dear ones who come and go

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest
She smiled through her tears at me
And I saw the woman that I am now
Please the girl that I used to be.