Rearrange a “Wife’s” Affection!
When they dislocate my Brain!
Amputate my freckled Bosom!
Make me bearded like a man!

Blush, my spirit, in thy Fastness –
Blush, my unacknowledged clay –
Seven years of troth have taught thee
More than Wifehood every may!

Love that never leaped its socket –
Trust entrenched in narrow pain –
Constancy thro’ fire – awarded –
Anguish – bare of anodyne!

Burden – borne so far triumphant –
None suspect me of the crown,
For I wear the “Thorns” till Sunset –
Then – my Diadem put on.

Big my Secret but it’s bandaged –
It will never get away
Till the Day its Weary Keeper
Leads it through the Grave to thee.