I Saw Her

By diffidence, she stood with meekness in childhood
There with reverent beauty, marred by consented duty
I saw her -
But how could she for children provide
when war did call him from her side?
Yes, I saw her -
But then I blinked, a change distinct
humble no more, but the full weight she bore

By vehemence, she stood, now growth out of girlhood
There with powerful beauty, more with maternal duty
I saw her -
But how could she survive,
knowing he’d long arrive?
Yes, I saw her -
But then I blinked, a note succinct
He was no more, her heart was sore

By sorrow, she stood, the end of manhood
There with doleful beauty, gone was marital duty
I saw her -
But how could she live?
No chance now to forgive
Yes, I saw her -
Father’s death distinct,
And then I blinked