STREET TALK

You are a greedy little wretch it's true
still you have charisma of a type
to pale the women of the straights into the shade
perhaps that's why their husbands seek you out
with staring eyes and sweaty hands
bored with bland confection?
There was the reverend gentleman last week
who came to talk to you of sin
but stayed to prove that man is mortal
you thought it quaint and laugh
your eyes look sad though dear
twenty is isn’t old enough to care so little.

That job-training scheme you tried
you shouldn't have shouted, ‘I'm a whore.'
When asked what you could do.
Even if it did remind you
of the welfare homes and Borstal
where you were trained by the girls.

How considerate of our masters
to provide a pool of talent
for those who will follow on
the system ensuring well-washed hands
good intention with an outcome
guaranteed by pious fools.

No dear, ¬ I'm not trying to take a rise.

Thomas Golding

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