Anne Rutledge

By Edgar Lee Masters

1869-1950


Spoon River Anthology

Out of me unworthy and unknown
The vibrations of deathless music:
"With malice toward none, with charity for all."
Out of me the forgiveness of millions toward millions,
And the beneficent face of a nation
Shining with justice and truth.
I am Anne Rutledge who sleep beneath these weeds,
Beloved in life of Abraham Lincoln,
Wedded to him, not through union,
But through separation.
Bloom forever, O Republic,
From the dust of my bosom!

DayPoems Poem No. 1449
<a href="http://www.daypoems.net/poems/1449.html">Anne Rutledge by Edgar Lee Masters</a>

The DayPoems Poetry Collection, www.daypoems.net
Timothy Bovee, editor

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