Women Of To-Day *

You women of today who fear so much The women of the future, showing how The dangers of her course are such and such-- What are you now?

Mothers and Wives and Housekeepers, forsooth! Great names, you cry, full scope to rule and please, Room for wise age and energetic youth!-- But are you these?

Housekeepers? Do you then, like those of yore, Keep house with power and pride, with grace and ease? No, you keep servants only! What is more-- You don’t keep these!

Wives, say you? Wives! Blessed indeed are they Who hold of love the everlasting keys, Keeping their husbands’ hearts! Alas the day! You don’t keep these!

And mothers? Pitying Heaven! Mark the cry From cradle death-beds! Mothers on their knees! Why, half the children born, as children, die! You don’t keep these!

And still the wailing babies come and go, And homes are waste, and husbands’ hearts fly far; There is no hope until you dare to know The thing you are!

BOYS WILL BE BOYS f

“Boys will be boys,” and boys have had their day; Boy-mischief and boy-carelessness and noise Extenuated all, allowed, excused and smoothed away, Each duty missed, each damaging wild act, By this meek statement of unquestioned fact-- Boys will be boys!

Now, “women will be women.” Mark the change; Calm motherhood in place of boisterous youth; No warfare now; to manage and arrange, To nurture with wise care, is woman’s way, In peace and fruitful industry her sway, In love and truth.

FOR FEAR f

For fear of prowling beasts at night They blocked the cave; Women and children hid from sight, Men scarce more brave.

For fear of warrior’s sword and spear They barred the gate; Women and children lived in fear, Men lived in hate.

For fear of criminals today We lock the door; Women and children still to stay Hid evermore.

Come out! Ye need no longer hide! What fear you now? No wolf nor lion waits outside-- Only a cow.

Come out! The world approaches peace, War nears its end; No warrior watches your release-- Only a friend.

Come out! The night of crime has fled-- Day is begun; Here is no criminal to dread-- Only your son.

The world, half yours, demands your care, Waken and come! Make it a woman’s world; safe, fair, Garden and home.