THE MAIDEN MOTHER

By Evelyn Scott

He has a squat body,

Glowering brows,

And bulging eyes.

Lustful contemplation of the meat pie

Is written all over his sweating face.

The thin woman with the meek voice,

Who has carried him so long in her body

And despairs of giving him birth,

Watches over him in secret

With bitter and resentful tenderness.