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THE INQUEST, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I took my oath I would inquire
Last Line: Perhaps my mother murdered me.'
Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H.
Subject(s): Abortion; Child Molesting; Murder; Child Abuse


I took my oath I would inquire,
Without affection, hate, or wrath,
Into the death of Ada Wright --
So help me God! I took that oath.

When I went out to see the corpse,
The four months' babe that died so young,
I judged it was seven pounds in weight,
And little more than one foot long.

One eye, that had a yellow lid,
Was shut -- so was the mouth, that smiled;
The left eye open, shining bright --
It seemed a knowing little child.

For as I looked at that one eye,
It seemed to laugh, and say with glee:
'What caused my death you'll never know --
Perhaps my mother murdered me.'

When I went into court again,
To hear the mother's evidence --
It was a love-child, she explained.
And smiled, for our intelligence.

'Now, Gentlemen of the Jury,' said
The coroner -- 'this woman's child
By misadventure met its death.'
'Aye, aye,' said we. The mother smiled.

And I could see that child's one eye
Which seemed to laugh, and say with glee:
'What caused my death you'll never know --
Perhaps my mother murdered me.'





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