“Under Dusky Laurel Leaf”

Under dusky laurel leaf,
Scarlet leaf of rose,
I lie prone, who have known
All a woman knows—

Love and grief and motherhood,
Fame and mirth and scorn;
These are all shall befall
Any woman born.

Jewel-laden are my hands,
Tall my stone above;
Do not weep that I sleep
Who was wise in love;

Where I walk a shadow gray
Through gray asphodel,
I am glad, who have had
All that Life could tell.

Margaret Widdemer