You were my dream child, and I must awaken,

My arms are empty, sweet babe unborn,

For me the lone quiet, while night is fast darkening;

Darkening now, and there’s toil on the morn.

The days come and go, toil is ever supreme;

Motherhood smother, the thought is vain.

Forget it, indeed, for wheels must be turning,

Turning incessantly—more wealth to gain!

Passionate Instinct

By Emily Huntington Miller