Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). The New Poetry: An Anthology. 1917.
Make No VowsGrace Fallow Norton
I
I was young and I was lonely.
When I grew strong I said: “This vow
Is too narrow for me now.
Who am I to be bound by old oaths?
I will change them as I change my clothes!”
Was like fetters upon me now.
It was hard to break, hard to break;
Hard to shake from me, hard to shake.
He is not free who is free only in the sun-light.
He is not free who bears fetters in his dreams,
Nor he who laughs only by his dream’s hid streams.
Watch then, where all your strength you give!
For I, who would be so wild and wondrous now,
Must give, give, to break a burdening bitter vow.