Маленькие женщины

           "

           IntheGarretFourlittlechestsallinarow,

           Dimwithdust,andwornbytime,

           Allfashionedandfilled,longago,

           Bychildrennowintheirprime.

           Fourlittlekeyshungsidebyside,

           Withfadedribbons,braveandgay

           Whenfastenedthere,withchildishpride,

           Longago,onarainyday.

           Fourlittlenames,oneoneachlid,

           Carvedoutbyaboyishhand,

           Andunderneaththereliethhid

           Historiesofthehappyband

           Onceplayinghere,andpausingoft

           Tohearthesweetrefrain,

           Thatcameandwentontheroofaloft,

           Inthefallingsummerrain.

           "Meg"onthefirstlid,smoothandfair.

           Ilookinwithlovingeyes,

           Forfoldedhere,withwell-knowncare,

           Agoodlygatheringlies,

           Therecordofapeacefullife—

           Giftstogentlechildandgirl,

           Abridalgown,linestoawife,

           Atinyshoe,ababycurl.

           Notoysinthisfirstchestremain,

           Forallarecarriedaway,

           Intheiroldage,tojoinagain

           InanothersmallMeg’splay.