Prepared [2]

She was standing by her mirror Brushing out her curls and braids That evening had arranged the night before She noticed her pale cheeks As were seen through haggard eyes That suggested conversation in the morning I have reached and scraped and borrowed I have all but paid the price As was ordered and was needed for the balance Turning to her husband she so carefully said My dear what put that idea in your head? Voices cried in silence or crept stealthily away Left shimmering with rigid lips compressed To watch over him and pray Bring him up the Christian way And now what can I say that's less profane Maybe I was in his power I didn't mean to tell you this Though I don't intend to share them to their full Extent If it's sorry that we feel about it Then with feeling I do respect I am the most undisciplined of man We are thrown out of our bedclothes Instead of slumbering away And a smile spreads like a sunbeam through your face I am willing to bear my part I've been hasty I've been surprised And for this I'm only partially prepared