She was standing by her mirror 

Brushing out her curls and braids 

That evening had arranged the night before 

She noticed her pale cheeks 

As were seen through haggard eyes 

That suggested conversation in the morning 

I have reached and scraped and borrowed 

I have all but paid the price 

As was ordered and was needed for the balance 



Turning to her husband she so carefully said 

My dear what put that idea in your head? 

Voices cried in silence or crept stealthily away 

Left shimmering with rigid lips compressed 



To watch over him and prey 

Bring him up the Christian way 

And now what can I say that’s less profane 

Maybe I was in his power 

I didn’t mean to tell you this 

Though I don’t intend to share them to their full 

extent 

If it’s sorry that we feel about it 

Then with feeling I do respect 

I am the most undisciplined of man 



We are thrown out of our bedclothes 

Instead of slumbering away 

And a smile spreads like a sunbeam through your face 



I am willing to bear my part 

I’ve been hasty I’ve been surprised 

And for this I’m only partially prepared