Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN IN BED, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN IN BED, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: There's my things
Last Line: I'm tired.
Subject(s): Idleness; Women


There's my things
drying in the corner:
that blue skirt
joined to the grey shirt --

I'm sick of trouble!
Lift the covers
if you want me
and you'll see
the rest of my clothes --
though it would be cold
lying with nothing on!

I won't work
and I've got no cash.
What are you going to do
about it?
-- and no jewelry
(the crazy fools)

But I've my two eyes
and a smooth face
and here's this! look!
it's high!

There's brains and blood
in there --
my name's Robitza!
Corsets
can go to the devil --
and drawers along with them --
What do I care!

My two boys?
-- they're keen!
Let the rich lady
care for them --
they'll beat the school
or
let them go to the gutter --
that ends trouble.

This house is empty
isn't it?
Then it's mine
because I need it.
Oh, I won't starve
while there's the Bible
to make them feed me.

Try to help me
if you want trouble
or leave me alone --
that ends trouble.

The county physician
is a damned fool
and you
can go to hell!

You could have closed the door
when you came in;
do it when you go out.
I'm tired.





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