Home » Poems » Terry Ireland » A Common Whore

A Common Whore

Just a common whore they said Who rolled the drunken tars As they staggered out from The Dockside taverns and bars. Lime Street, Liverpool was Where she plied her trade. Where her drunken bargains Were very quickly made. Transported to Australia When she was finally caught And Maggie May of Liverpool Could no longer be bought. No consideration for the times The Tars gave her a beating Or made off without paying, The lowest form of cheating. The girls still ply their trade Their services still for hire A trade that isn’t possible if There weren’t so many a buyer. A class ridden trade really With the range of clients it affords From back street transactions to those Who service the Commons and Lords. One just a back street whore with A life of hardship, risk and distress, The other with chance of promotion To status of aristocrat’s mistress. Maggie May is infamous now, Celebrated in bawdy song A good modern QC could argue She probably really did no wrong.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Speaks Volumes

Date: 9/9/2023 9:02:00 PM

Such a sad poem Terry with so much truth. Since first learned what the word meant, I have never understood why men maligned the profession so. As your poem says " A trade that isn’t possible if There weren’t so many a buyer." The saddest part about so much of the trade now, are the over use of alcohol and drugs, and the violent stand over tactics of some pimps that trap the ladies into staying. A favorite from me Terry, as usual your brilliant style of poetry always shines. Accolades from SV

Tom Woody

Date: 9/9/2023 10:00:00 AM

Poor Maggie May, she's no Brandy (another sailor song)