Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE STREET MASHER, by HELEN EMMA MARING


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE STREET MASHER, by                    
First Line: What was it in my eyes that made you wait
Last Line: Perhaps you followed her when you left me.
Alternate Author Name(s): Payne, Lorrin A., Mrs.
Subject(s): Sexism; Women's Rights; Feminism


What was it in my eyes that made you wait
And turn upon the street when I went past?
You followed me -- I felt you hesitate --
And then I heard your footfalls near at last.
I glanced at you a time or so -- I hate
To be presumed a flirt. Was there surprise
Upon my face when I saw you along?
I felt the wind low-whispering a song
Of mischief. . . . When I saw the dog and child
And stopped to speak to them, I tried to show
That I loved children and not men at all.
(I always talk to children that I meet.)
You watched -- I felt your unbelieving smirk --
And still you followed when I turned to go.
You walked behind to watch me climb the stairs
Before the Court of Children, where I work.
Disgusted that I strive at saving tears,
You madly stalked away and down the street,
Your madly stalked away and down the street,
Your coat-tails switching angrily in time.

Perhaps at midnight when my night-bell rings
(It is a dirge and not a song it sings)
Outside my door, a thin girl in her teens
With little streaks of tears between the paint
Will stand and shiver till I let her in --
Her thoughts not more than what a child's would be.
Perhaps you followed her when you left me.





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