She came tonight as I sat alone,
The girl I used to be,
She gazed at me with her earnest eye,
And questioned reproachfully:

"Have you forgotten the many plans
And hopes I had for you?
The great career, the splendid fame,
The wonderful things to do?

Where is the mansion of stately height
With all its gardens rare?
The silken robes I dreamed for you
And the jewels in your hair?"

As she spoke, I was very sad,
For I wanted her pleased with me,
This slender girl from the shadowy past,
The girl I used to be.

So, gently rising, I took her hand,
And guided her up the stairs,
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay,
Innocent, sweet, and fair.

I told her, "These are my only gems,
And precious they are to me;
The silken robes is my motherhood,
Of costly simplicity.

My mansion of stately height is love,
And the only career I know
Is serving each day, in these sheltered walls,
The dear ones who come and go."

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,
She smiled, through her tears, at me.
I saw the woman that I am now and
Pleased the girl I used to be.