Chapter IX The Daughter’s Share of the Work
The Kitchen
O little room, wherein my days go by
Each like to each, yet each one set apart
For special duties... nearest to my heart
Art thou of all the house... in thee I try
New issues when the old ones go awry,
And with new victories allay the smart
Of dismal failures; and afresh I start
With courage new to conquer or to die.
O simple walls, no pictures break thy calm!
O simple floor uncarpeted below!
The inward eye has visions for its balm,
And duty done is solace for each woe,
And every modest tool that hangs in view
Is fitted for the work it has to do.
Helen Coale Crew.