Lotta Dempsey, "To a Great Woman," Edmonton
Bulletin 28 Oct. 1933. Courtesy of City of Edmonton
Archives.
Paeons of praise they sing because you stood
High in the world, and raised one steady hand
Against the wrongs that women suffer most,
And, being leaderless, misunderstand,
And they shall call your name, because your pen
Was mighty as a sword, and followed swift
Upon long, deep injustice, and laid bare
The jagged danger of some hidden rift.
But we, who saw you far from lines of battle,
And knew the gentle tenor of your wit,
Who felt your quick response to all earth's beauty
And this great-heart that would be sharing it,
Who knew the quick forgiving of your spirit,
The tender sympathy for those who wait
Without the temple, and your quiet mercy—
Shall silent be, before one very great.
|