The other day, as I read through the "collected poems" book, I was suddenly inspired by a certain poem, and set out to write my own (I'm afraid it's inferior--but it's from my whole heart)... So here it is; I would love to hear your comments on it. :)

An Unmarried Girl Speaks

Life did not bring me wealth or fame,

Nor diamond-girt dresses,

Nor mansions with a great, high name:

"Lady," "Dame," or "Princess."

But there are seven dear ones who call me "big sister;"

And the clear stars, far-off hills, stoop, my name to whisper.

Life has instead gifted me

With quiet at-home joys,

All sweet "trivialities"

Like games with growing boys;

How I thank God for home-grown things: a smile given,

A smile returned -- the jeweled bits that make up livin'!

All the precious brilliant "trifles"

Which fill a life with gain;

Jaded others say "it stifles" --

Can I ever explain?

The smallest task, when done to God, makes the doer rich --

Drudgery? Not at all! In duty we find our niche!

Now humdrum duty to be sure

Has not the witching light

That plays o'er Fame and Self's allure --

Begone, thou foul wights!

Which is better? To slide down Independence's slope,

Or follow Christ's servant tread and find a better hope?

In my home, I daily see

Examples -- I must 'fess,

The Selflessness played out for me

Convicts my selfishness!

Alas! How sinful still I am, how far my goal is --

How I stumble in the way, till I be fully His!

Yet dismay I must never,

And God is granting me

Such joy, peace, delight, as ever

A mortal man could see!

How can I thank Him? He is mine, and blessed me daily,

Overflowing out my cup 'til I can hardly see!

Life hasn't all been a picnic,

Hurtful falshoods do come,

Friends commence to gossip and nick --

But God strengthens through all!

He sees all, and by unjust pain teaches us how to

Comfort others with wisdom gained when He carried us through!

Stuck at home? No! I do dress up

And go to bright soirees;

Or a Music's fair brink I sup --

Life is full, night and day!

Yet sweet -- or sweeter, by contrast? -- is home afterwards,

There -- dearer friends yet: with stories, laughter, fellowship!

Can a heart ever burst with joy?

How glorious I find

Family friendships are not alloy --

Together, hearts and minds!

Loving families aren't made by infrequent contact;

Daily courtesies, smiles, trifles make it, that's a fact!

Being married is joy, God wot --

Also, single home-life;

I'm fulfilled, content, in my spot,

Tho' someday hope to hear "wife!"

When we're in God's plan, then we find grace and happiness;

Happiest is she who scrubs floors, singing -- and looks up, astonished, to see her Prince.

God's grace enfolds me close, and more;

Undeserving I am;

How can I thank my Creator?

Grateful debtor I am!

Above His blue dome, underfoot His fair green carpet --

It's brighter because He's saved me; how can I forget?

Singing, have you ironed piled-up clothes?

Conversed with a three-year-old?

Have you scrubbed a floor for Jesus?

It's joy that can't be told!

My heart is full -- bursting! -- with the blessings God's given;

Have you tried the old, disused narrow way? Have you seen?

--Elisha Ann Wahlquist, July 27th, 2013