Poems (Millay)/The Shroud

by Edna St. Vincent Millay

The Shroud

Death, I say, my heart is bowed
 Unto thine,—O mother!
This red gown will make a shroud
 Good as any other!

(I, that would not wait to wear
 My own bridal things,
In a dress dark as my hair
 Made my answerings.

I, to-night, that till he came
 Could not, could not wait,
In a gown as bright as flame
 Held for them the gate.)

Death, I say, my heart is bowed
 Unto thine,—O mother!
This red gown will make a shroud
 Good as any other!