This poem, entitled "Mistakes," is dated February 21, 1907. 11:20 a.
m.:
Said he: "Where is my sin?
I'm only as men have ever been.
I'm not so bad, I'm not so good,
And I'd be as you'd have me if only I could.
But you are strong and good and brave.
Surely for me a road you can pave,
A road which shall be my happiness, my very soul save.
After all, it's for you and you only that I crave."
She waited a moment, then came her reply:
"To the old adage, that women are weak, you can give the lie.
Not only you, others as well,
All through life have the same tale to tell.
I didn't mean to do it--I didn't, I swear,
But you can forgive me; your loss I cannot bear.
Can I forgive you? Well, that's not so clear,
Though you certainly were to me very dear.
I think, after all, now that I am awake.
I think it was I who made the mistake.
I thought of you ever as a flower rare.
With whom other flowers could not even compare.
Alack and alas! I find, after all,
You are only a sunflower, of which there are many,
Who take all the elements have to give
And give nothing that creates or causes happiness to live."
"KILL ME IF YOU WILL," SHE SAYS IN A VERSE.
Another of Mrs. McDonald's poems, written on the day of the killing,
is as follows:
Kill me if you will, for all is well.
I know that to Satan your soul you can't sell,
And I've saved you from everlasting hell.
I had lifted you up, when, lo! I found
Slowly but surely you were dragging me down.
Out of space thus came a warning
Soft and clear as the breath of the morning.