I toiled and worked early and late,
And nearly deplored my unfortunate fate.
When I laid them away, I was left alone,
Friends I had few—oh, how I did mourn.
Then after a year he came into my life,
All was peace and harmony, no thought of strife;
And blessings were added when our children came;
The harder he worked, so anxious for fame.
Then, after a time, he was so hard to please;
In his presence I scarcely could feel at ease,
For I didn’t do one little thing for him right,
Until I wished he was far out of sight.
And this thing kept on, it near drove me wild;
I felt so small—just like a wee child;
I resented his words and told him that I
Would not live with him longer—and sooner would die.
He sneered and he laughed; yes, work for pay
From early till late, the whole blessed day;
I gave you this home, what more can I do;
I have worked and worked for my children and you.
When I would mention a trip in the summer to go
Just anywhere, I’d say—you need it, you know,
What nonsense he’d say; I’m well as can be;
A vacation for me? Well, that I can’t see.
Well, that is the way we wrangled, till I
Was so unhappy I wanted to fly;
Perhaps this sounds trivial to you, but to me
It seems as big as the great open sea.
But I understand, my dear little friend,
That he’s been to call, and some gifts did send;
And the great loads of coal he sent you last week,
Surely you thanked him—some kind word did speak?
Yes, and he gave me this home; he provided well
For his little family—I can safely tell
We never suffered for a want or a care
When the time came around, it was always there.
Before I go, do call the children in,
It’s so long since I’ve seen them. Why, Minnie, how thin
You have grown; why, Charlie, how small
And pale you are; do have your doctor call.