Annunciation

Marie had sex with Arthur once in Bow.

The doctor spoke. He prophesied a birth.

Friends tried to cheer her up: you never know,

Your Arthur might be back some time – although

Who cares? There’s other men, there’s not a dearth.

Marie had sex with Arthur once in Bow.

She wondered why she fell for such a toe-

Rag. What a jerk! she chuntered without mirth.

Friends tried to cheer her up: you never know,

Your Mum’s upset right now, but may not throw

You out – and clothes exist for wider girth.

Marie had sex with Arthur once in Bow.

No angel helped Marie, nor did the glow

Of pregnancy do much for her self-worth.

Friends tried to cheer her up: you never know,

Perhaps you’ll have a famous child who’ll show

Us how to live, who’ll help to save the earth.

Marie had sex with Arthur once in Bow.

Friends tried to cheer her up: you never know.

 

©Virginia Rounding, 1992