Margaret Widdemer

From “Voices of Women”

UNDER dusky laurel leaf,

Scarlet leaf of rose,

I lie prone, who have known

All a woman knows.

Love and grief and motherhood,

Fame and mirth and scorn,

These are all shall befall

Any woman born.

Jewel-laden are my hands,

Tall my stone above—

Do not weep that I sleep,

Who was wise in love.

Where I walk, a shadow gray

Through gray asphodel,

I am glad, who have had

All that life can tell.