She came tonight as I sat alone.. 
The girl I used to be.... 
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye 
And questioned reproachfully:

Have you forgotten the many plans 
And hopes I had for you? 
The great career,the splendid fame, 
all the wonderful things to do?

Where is the mansion of stately height 
With all its gardens rare? 
The silken robes that I dreamed for you 
And the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad 
For I wanted her pleased with me... 
This slender girl from the shadowy past 
The girl that I used to be.

So gently rising, I took her hand 
And guided her up the stairs 
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay 
Innocent, sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems, 
And precious they are to me; 
That silken robes is my motherhood 
Of costly simplicity.

And my mansion of stately height is love, 
And the only career I know 
Is serving each day in these sheltered walls 
For the dear ones who come and go.

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest, 
She smiled through her tears at me. 
And I saw the woman that I am now 
Pleased the girl I used to be.