I wish I were not a woman,
And my body were made of stone.
Then I wouldn’t need slumber
Behind locked doors after endless hours of work.
I wouldn’t need rest
To prepare myself for the next toil of saving lives.

I wish I saw that vast night sky full of stars,
So beautiful in my dreams.
But alas, I am a soft rosebud of tender petals—
How can I move forward any further?

I wish it were a nightmare.
Everything would be fine with the touch
Of the first ray of morning sun.
But I am made of fragile earth;
Alas, dear God, you made me sick
In...