The Home

\"Home\" says the sweet voice, and warm Comfort rises,
Holding my soul with velvet-fingered hands;
Comfort of leafy lair and lapping fur,
Soft couches, cushions, curtains, and the stir
Of easy pleasures that the body prizes,
Of soft, swift feet to serve the least commands.

I shrink?half rise?and then it murmurs \"Duty!\"
Again the past rolls out?a scroll unfurled;
Allegiance and long labor due my lord
Allegiance in an idleness abhorred?
I am the squaw?the slave?the harem beauty?
I serve and serve, the handmaid of the world.
My soul rebels?but hark! a new note thrilling,

Deep, deep, past finding?I protest no more;
The voice says \"Love!\" and all those ages dim
Stand glorified and justified in him;
I bow?I kneel?the woman soul is willing?
\"Love is the law. Be still! Obey! Adore!\"
And then?ah, then! The deep voice murmurs \"Mother!\"
And all life answers from the primal sea;
A mingling of all lullabies; a peace

That asks no understanding; the release
Of nature\'s holiest power?who seeks another?
Home? Home is Mother?Mother, Home?to me.
\"Home!\" says the deep voice; \"Home and Easy Pleasure!
Safety and Comfort, Laws of Life well kept!