Skip to content
1850–1919

KNITTING

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

At the concert and the play Everywhere you see them sitting, Knitting, knitting. Women who the other day

Thought of nothing but their frocks Or their jewels or their locks, Women who have lived for pleasure, Who have known no work but leisure,

Now are knitting, knitting, knitting For the soldiers over there. On the trains and on the ships With a diligence befitting,

They are knitting. Some with smiles upon their lips, Some with manners debonair, Some with earnest look and air.

But each heart in its own fashion, Weaves in pity and compassion In their knitting, knitting, knitting For the soldiers over there.

Hurried women to and fro From their homes to labour flitting, Knitting, knitting, Busy handed come and go.

Broken bits of time they spare, Just to feel they do their share, Just to keep life's sense of beauty In the doing of a duty,

They are knitting, knitting, knitting For the soldiers over there.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
KNITTING · Ella Wheeler Wilcox · Poetry Cove