The Old Road to Paradise/Woman-Lore

by Margaret Widdemer

WOMAN-LORE

Now this is what you learn at last
 Of men beneath the sun,
With all the gates of living passed
 And all the kisses done—
That none are ever old indeed
 And none are very wise,
And they will break you for their need
 Or give you earth and skies:

And out of all between you two
 For all the close years' gain,
The dearest gifts they give to you
 Shall come with sorest pain—
(A pain your lips find still untold,
 A joy they cannot see)
Your child they give your arms to hold,
 Your child they grow to be.