Divorced.

My divorce has been granted this very day, With no one to scold, I can do what I may; My heart seems to flutter, how happy I feel, It will take some time this great wound to heal. My dear Mrs. Smith, good morning to you, I have heard about a divorce, is it really true? Well, I’m awfully sorry, now what can I do To lessen your burden, for your children and you. He seemed so proud of you, when you would go out In the warm summer evenings, to ride about; Such love looks he’d give you; now how can this be To break up a home, I pray you, tell me. It was this way, when I married him I didn’t know How to cook or keep house, not even to sew; My parents were old—so it fell to me To help support them—now, do you see? 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. The boy’s fever was high—he calls in his pain, Oh, papa, dear, papa, come kiss me again. The door softly opens, a lov’d voice in the hall, In his arms he clasps her, his best friend, his all. Years have passed; yes, truly, they are happy now; The glad days of youth are gone, somehow, But on her face a sweet smile is lingering there, And sweet contentment is found everywhere. And Charlie has grown to be straight and tall; And Min’s little one, the youngest of all, Lies in his crib, such a sweet little lad That is watched over happily by grandma and grand-dad.