To the Young Girls!

You youthful buds of humanity! Your beauty delights all hearts. But who thanks you and also considers you budding souls?

I cannot speak for all of you, for there is no one in the world who could speak for all. My words are not for those of you who value a waltz or a beautiful dress or wealth and glamour more than anything else. Nor for those who go through life as though in a languishing sleep, not looking right or left, not asking, not wanting, and whose silent indifference consummates their fate.

But the simplicity of my life can serve you, most noble ones. Behind your brows, as beautiful as the month of May, the question of fate is clawing.

To you who want to go through the harsh crudeness of life in holiness and beauty.

To you with glowing hearts full of sacrifice, for whom everything offensive, when it passes before your eyes, invites only the thought of kindness bringing healing betterment.

Oh! If only my feelings were also power! I would bless your blossoming life!

Elsa Asenijeff

At the time of the tuberose blossom

1901