‘Anne Rutledge’ by Edgar Lee Masters (1868-1950)
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,
Weeded to him, not through union,
But through separation.
Bloom forever, O Republic,
From the dust of my bosom!
(End)
