Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 June 1890 — HER FACE. [ARTICLE]

HER FACE.

I met her on the street to-day And she was decked in rich array— With paint and powder on her face ■ Somewhat concealed by friendly lace, She spoke to none—and none to her— No stracger.’as you migh infer, For she was born and schooled and—fell Within that town that knew her well, No smile lit up her stony face, Which seemed to hate the human race. And she had cause beyond our ken To hate all women and all men. A social leper—outcast—blight— Accursed; perhaps thefworld is right, Yet one there was who taught a way. Disparaged, in our haugty day. They pass her by, each upright dame, Without one word, to save, reclaim. The taint; oi sin makes them recoil— There own white souls they fear might soil. Ah, well, mayhap the world is right, To crush and tmmple—bruise and blight. I amjno God, to judge or know— Nor fiend, to torment her below. I saw her face—and this I knew, That sisterhood from me was due; I saw God’s daughter stoned anew, While none condemned the,hands which threw. Lydia Platt Richards,