WE women want too many things; <br />And first we call for happiness, - <br />The careless boon the hour brings, <br />The smile, the song, and the caress. <br /> <br /> <br />And when the fancy fades, we cry, <br />Nay, give us one on whom to spend <br />Our heart's desire! When Love goes by <br />With folded wings, we seek a friend. <br /> <br /> <br />And then our children come, to prove <br />Our hearts but slumbered, and can wake; <br />And when they go, we're fain to love <br />Some other woman's for their sake. <br /> <br /> <br />But when both love and friendship fail, <br />We cry for duty, work to do; <br />Some end to gain beyond the pale <br />Of self, some height to journey to. <br /> <br /> <br />And then, before our task is done, <br />With sudden weariness oppressed, <br />We leave the shining goal unwon <br />And only ask for rest.<br /><br />Edith Wharton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/wants-5/
