A young woman imagines the moment she transforms from a maid into a wife at daybreak. She asks the sunrise for a flag—a sign of triumph—as if she’s crossing into a new country. At midnight, she’s still a girl, but the change feels shockingly fast. Already, angels bustle in the hallway, and her future climbs the stairs softly. The mood is hushed and elevated, full of awe and a little trembling. She fumbles through a childhood prayer, knowing childhood is about to end. In the final lines, she addresses “Sire, Savior” and says she has seen that face before—perhaps casting the marriage as a spiritual union or even a gentle death. The whole poem feels like a sacred threshold, where time collapses and excitement blends with a quiet readiness for an unknown permanence.
A Wife -- at daybreak I shall be — Summary
A Wife -- at daybreak I shall be -- Sunrise -- Hast thou a Flag for me? At Midnight, I am but a Maid, How short it takes to make a Bride -- Then -- Midnight, I have passed from thee Unto the East, and Victory --
Midnight -- Good Night! I hear them call, The Angels bustle in the Hall -- Softly my Future climbs the Stair, I fumble at my Childhood's prayer So soon to be a Child no more -- Eternity, I'm coming -- Sire, Savior -- I've seen the face -- before!