Out of the depths I heard a woman cry:
"Give me, dear Lord, a mission that I may
Work as my brothers work, and grant that I
May know the joy of sacrifice,—the way
Of human love—the shadows and the light."
I heard a cry out of the depths of night.
At break of day, I heard a woman sing;
Her voice ascended as 'twere borne above
The noises of the world,—its gladsome ring
Brought to earth's weight-bound toilers light and love:
"I thank Thee for the good Thou, Lord, hast given—
This service, limitless as earth and heaven."
Such was her song of praise. I, from the tone,
Knew 'twas the woman who had prayed alone
For a great gift; and eagerly I sought
To learn what magic change her love had wrought.
I saw a woman, tender-eyed and glad,
Eager to do the civic task that had
Been given her. I saw her prayerful eyes,
Thanking the God of all in glad surprise
For woman's new-born strength to stand alone
Among the sons of men and claim her own.
