This poem was included in the original 1915 edition.
NOT character, not fortitude, not patience Were mine, the which the village thought I had In bearing with my wife, while preaching on, Doing the work God chose for me. I loathed her as a termagant, as a wanton. I knew of her adulteries, every one. But even so, if I divorced the woman I must forsake the ministry. Therefore to do God's work and have it crop, I bore with her So lied I to myself So lied I to Spoon River! Yet I tried lecturing, ran for the legislature, Canvassed for books, with just the thought in mind: If I make money thus, I will divorce her.
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ErinRose , 7 months ago
Mrs. Sibley's epitaph directly follows Amos' in my version. It's very poignant, but is obviously alluding to her indiscretions...Did she bury her baby?