English poem
A Maiden Lady
by Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman (1852–1930)
3Of a summer afternoon, 3In her parlor window there, 3She would sit, her meek face showing 3Delicately long and fair, Sewing on some dainty garment, no one ever saw her wear.
3She'd be dressed in cool old muslin 3With a lilac pattern dim; 3Full soft skirt, and pointed body 3Cut severely straight and prim Maiden-dress and maiden lady, sober, delicate and prim.
3She seemed not with love acquainted; 3Half too fine to hold him dear. 3Folk spoke shyly of love-matters, 3With this maiden lady near, With a feeling it were converse hardly suited to her ear.
3When she cried, poor, shy old maiden, 3Her artless secret saw the sun: 3She had been with love acquainted, 3Always, just like any one: But had kept him in a closet hidden, as a skeleton.