A Woman Suffrage Plea

In a little eastern village, and with-
in a sacred dome,
Where the people met to worship
from each hamlet and each home;
Were united in the bonds of love, a
man and maiden gay;
And they went to build a Kansas
home on the prairie far away.
Now the man, though good in most
things, one grave fault did to him
cling.
He thought he owned the woman
when he gave to her the ring.
He also thought to prove it for the
preacher said that day,
"I to this man now give you; you
must cherish and obey."

So it happened, as they settled in a
Kansas town out west,
She thought she was his partner in
all things their home had blessed.
And she thought to save for rainy
days, in this they would agree,
To save as God had blessed them
and to know how much 'twould be.
But he said "The house is yours to
keep, I'll provide the way,
It matters not for you to know if
you've enough today.
Just glide along, I'll manage things,
you're not to know or care
What future holds for you and me;
I've warned you, now beware."
And the woman kept on hoping that,
some day she'd have things neat,
And when they were old their in-
come would insure enough to eat.

She only hoped she never knew if
days brought weal or woe;
She long since ceased to ask about
their finance, for you know
He'd only say in his gruff way, "Ah!"
and slam the door,
And then he'd hardly speak to her
for just a day or more.

Now tell me, do you think in life a
woman should agree
To cast aside her care and pride and
all her liberty,
Does she lay down at the altar all her
privilege to know
If clouds hang dark about them and
would bring weal or woe;
Must she be content and never know
if rainy days may come?
They may storm the tide and onward
glide and yet possess a home.
This question is a problem to many a
woman given,
Whose life is linked with doubt that
they from home be driven.

How can she be contented and trust
God for the rest?
Can she live on from day to day and
will her home be blessed?
Or should she take a stand just firm
and say, "I am your wife,
And a partner in all trials and all
problems of your life.
We have formed a partnership for
life, it's no one-sided game,
I'll take my share of toil and care
and also half the blame
If things go wrong, if we but build
together for us all;
Which must be neat and made com-
plete, although it may be small."

This is her plea but O! tell me, where
will it ever end?
I'd be glad to know what you think
for Oh!
This woman is my friend.

^__Nettie Squire Sutton.

A Book of Poems
Nettie Squire Sutton
(Minneapolis, KS: Messenger Press. n.d.)
Page 24