From the Rock Island Argus, November 4, 1913. By Henry Howland.
Pretty little maiden, yesterday a child,
Free from affectation, merely running wild;
Kicking up and laughing, climbing fences, too—
What a lot of changes have come over you!
Pretty little maiden, guileless in your glee,
Yesterday you lightly sat upon my knee;
Yesterday you kissed me when I went away;
I have found a woman in your place today.
Now your legs are hidden and you shout no more;
You’re a helpless creature—you so lithe before!
You must be assisted where you used to climb,
You must guard your actions gravely all the time.
You have lost the freedom of the careless child;
You no more may ever gallop, glad and wild;
Wholly artificial, you must lace and friz
And be cold and proper—what a shame it is!
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