Little Women (poem)

by Louisa May Alcott

　　Four little chests all in a row,Dim with dust and worn by time,All fashioned and filled long agoBy children now in their prime.Four little keys hung side by side,With faded ribbons, brave and gayWhen fastened there with childish prideLong ago on a rainy day.Four little names, one on each lid,Carved out by a boyish hand;And underneath there lieth hidHistories of the happy bandOnce playing here, and pausing oftTo hear the sweet refrainThat came and went on the roof aloftIn the falling summer rain.Four little chests all in a row,Dim with dust and worn by time:Four women, taught by weal and woeTo love and labor in their prime;Four sisters parted for an hour,–None lost, one only gone before,Made by love's immortal powerNearest and dearest evermore.Oh! when these hidden stores of oursLie open to the Father's sight,May they be rich in golden hours,–Deeds that show fairer for the light,Deeds whose brave music long shall ringLike a spirit-stirring strain,Souls that shall gladly soar and singIn the long sunshine, after rain. Enjoy reading Ms. Alcott's acclaimed and highly autobiographical novel, Little Women, featured in our collection, Books for Young Readers.