As I Drank Tea To-Day by Fannie Stearns Davis

As I drank tea to-day With a dozen women, chattering, gay, In delicate drooping gowns, in jewels like dew, Laughing, light-voiced, -- I thought of a certain hunger I knew Hid in the heart of one, the merriest laughter there. I saw three little dull threads in the lazy dusk of her hair; Three little keen wrinkles about her beautiful shining eyes. And I wished I were not so wise.

I wished that I did not know Those symbols of pain: -- that low Under her pride and sweet warm-worded address She was shaken with loneliness; That the one great dream she had dared to dream was a lie, And half of her Life went wearying, "Let me die."

I wished that I could not hear That murmur of mortal fear Through the clink of silver and subtle whisper of lace. I dared not look in her face. --

Then I thought, (while I laughed aloud With my cup at poise,) "Ah, the proud Masques that we wear! We too, All of us, dancing through Some queer little pantomime each day, -- Jewelled and gloved, deft-spoken and gay, -- Ah, but God only hears All of the follies and fears, Meanness and courage, breathed out and in Over these tea-cups' delicate din."

Then I looked in that woman's face Over its pearls and roses and lace, And I knew that I need not fear to see Those little dull threads, those wrinkles three, Or hear the cry of her life. I knew We were all of us crying too: Crying with wonder or weariness, Too much love or too little. Yes, It was Life, just Life that we hid away Under our gossip and glad array. And that woman's laughter and pride, Shielding her heart, half-crucified, Seemed bravely done, -- although I thought, "Must Life hurt, hurt so?"

Till as I took her hand, Saying good-bye, the smooth words planned Choked in my throat. She stood there dumb, Folded my fingers and pressed them numb, Knowing I knew. Ah, yes! I knew! All of us seeking, hungering, hiding too, In delicate drooping gowns, and jewels like stars and dew!

So we all went away: A dozen women, chattering, gay. --