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