Poem “The Belle of the Season” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Poems of reflection

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American Literature – American Poetry – Ella Wheeler Wilcox – Poems by Ella Wheeler Wilcox – Poems of reflection
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The Belle of the Season

Nay–do not bring the jewels–
  Away with that robe of white,
I am sick of the ball room, sister–
  I would rather stay here, to-night.
“The grandest ball of the season!”
  “The upper-ten thousands’ show!”
Yes, yes, I know it, my darling,
  But I do not care to go.

Last night I was thinking deeply,
  Something I seldom do.
You know I came home at midnight,
  Well, I lay awake till two.
I was thinking of my girlhood,
  Just how I had spent its years,
And I blushed for shame, my darling,
  And my pillow was wet with tears.

I have lived in a whirl of fashion,
  I have kept right up to the “style,”
I have learned how to dance the “German,”
  How to bow, and flirt and smile.
I have worn most beautiful dresses,
  Been the belle of many a ball.
I have won the envy of women,
  And the praise of fops-that’s all

Does any one really respect me?–
  Could a single thing be said
That would give the mourners pleasure
  To-morrow, if I were dead?
“She wore such beautiful dresses,”
  “She’s a dozen strings to her bow,”
“She could waltz like a perfect fairy”–
  Would you like me remembered so?

Well, there’s nothing else to remember
  What thing have I ever done
That has made a soul the better
  Or cheered a hapless one?
I have spent my time and money–
  The best of my fortune and days–
In gaining the envy of women
  And making the poor fops gaze.

I am going to be a woman,
  And live for others awhile–
Forgetting myself for a season,
  Though I know it isn’t the “style.”
I am in no mood for a revel–
  Away with that robe of white!
And I will stay here, my darling,
  And talk with my heart to-night.

< < < A Twilight Thought
Joy > > >

American Literature – American Poetry – Ella Wheeler Wilcox – Poems by Ella Wheeler Wilcox – Poems of reflection

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Poems of reflection

The Belle of the Season

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