Young Widow

Just because I was his wife,

Now that he lies dead

Must I step beyond that door

And sit by the bed?

Must I enter there again,

Now my husband lies

Pale and cold, and carry him

Forever in my eyes?

Oh, he had a first wife,

And when his first wife died

He went into the death-room

And sat by her side.

Oh, he had a first wife,

And oh, but she was fair!

When he turned his eyes to me

She was always there.

I am young, and I must take

A young man to wed.

Must I always turn to him

Eyes that hold the dead?

Margaret Fulia Marks