Home » Poems » Terry O'Leary » The Harlot

The Harlot

Mid Uzi shots from vacant lots, which strike and ricochet A painted girl with flaxen curl (named Wendy)’s on her way To tantalise with half-clad thighs, to trick again today; And indiscreet along the street she gives her pride away To any guy who’s passing by with cash and time to pay. In concert halls, beyond the sprawls 'round shabby cabarets, unjaded thoughts of Camelot imbue divine ballets.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Jon A Cavanaugh

Date: 10/13/2012 12:44:00 AM

Another Great poem Terry. I've read this over and over. I just love the meter of your poems. To me that is the most important aspect of a poem. I kept misreading the fifth line though. Until my last read. I was reading it as .......passing by with cash and time to play. Great poem.

Harry Horsman

Date: 9/18/2012 7:22:00 AM

came here, before i read Harlot 2, this is so good Terry, so poetic, on a theme i enjoy writing about..if time see my "Our Peg"

Michelle Mac Donald

Date: 7/16/2012 5:38:00 AM

This is sort of sad, Terry? The ending makes me think of "The Litttle Match Girl". I wonder if these "harlots" also see "beyond the walls", and dream of a more fulfilling life, when they too had had these "flowered thoughts"? Be well!! Mikki

Jack Horne

Date: 7/13/2012 1:38:00 PM

so glad to see this gem placed in PD's contest - lovely write

Rachel St.Cross

Date: 7/9/2012 8:11:00 AM

‡ She Sounds Like A Little Nymphonic ? Yet, There Are Sadly Many Ladies Both Young & Somewhat Old Walking The Streets As She, Beautiful Terry * Whom Do So For Two Different Reasons Apart From The Perhaps Wendy Above ? One To Feed Their Children, Themselves & Pay Their Bills * The Other & Most By Far, To Feed Their Precious Lives Drug Addictions * Many Have Lost Their Priceless Lives Whilein Doing So, So, Never Do I Point A Crooked Finger Towards Their Beauties * As For Your Own Beauties Com In Visit, Thank You, Perhaps There Are A Lot Of Shy Guys & Gals Here At The Soup ? Makes Me Think Again Of Beautiful 'Tiffiny' * She Is A Bit Timid & Shy About Her Business During The Day, But, At Night When Every Now & Then Tis Just Her & I * Smile, She Is A Screamer * My Luv, Forever, Rachel ‡

Elizabeth Wesley

Date: 6/20/2012 2:53:00 PM

What can I say except you are gifted and deliver some breathtaking verse!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 6/16/2012 11:52:00 PM

Just a heads up. there are two things I found never work in a contest of Brian's: funny stuff such as limericks and stuff that is written about harlots (well and other related topics, you get my drift). I am glad to finally see this, however. I think it is awesome!

Olusegun Arowolo

Date: 6/15/2012 1:50:00 PM

Congratulations on your win,Terry...Great job..

Carol Sunshine Brown

Date: 6/15/2012 11:51:00 AM

Congratulations on your win in P.D.'s' "Outstanding Title" contest Terry. Love, Carol

Jonas L. Rozario

Date: 6/15/2012 12:47:00 AM

Big congrats on your win Terry

Ralph Taylor

Date: 6/14/2012 6:57:00 PM

Congrats, Terry. Excellent. Nice going. Kudos. Ralph

Elliott Bowe The Drunken Poet

Date: 6/14/2012 6:54:00 PM

Congratulations on your winning poem!!!

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 6/14/2012 5:40:00 PM

TERRY, a wonderful congratulations with your outstanding direct poem, attached with a strong title. Can't wait for you join another one of MY contest. Take care! :-) PD

Terry L. Allen

Date: 6/13/2012 8:43:00 PM

I stopped back to read what I wrote and it doesn't have quite the same cadence that your poem does. At the time when I wrote it I thougt it did and would make a good beginning to the story you tell here. Oh well. Huggs TLee

Black Eyed Susan

Date: 6/13/2012 6:19:00 AM

Great descriptions - love how you included the opposite stanza at the end - really reinforces the sad life the harlot has. good luck in the contest - a winner in my book either way :)

Terry L. Allen

Date: 6/12/2012 4:57:00 PM

While young and pure men did pray and took her away stealing her innocence against her will. Not a perfect child in good graces at home the situation would not be condoned. The blame though unfounded would sit at her door for as good parents go her's were poor. Just an Idea your poem brought about. Huggs TLee

Kathryn Collins

Date: 6/12/2012 9:36:00 AM

You really must see "Black Swan" Now there's a ballerina for you. I love this poem and for some reason the last two lines all alone. love Kathy

Ilene Bauer

Date: 6/11/2012 3:26:00 PM

wonderful! i love the choices you've made here and the monorhyme works very well!