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1882–1937

PROVOCATIONS

John Drinkwater

I am no merry monger when I see the slatterns of the town: I hate to think of docile men Whose angers all are driven down;

For sluts make joy a thing obscene, And in contempt is nothing clean. I like to see the ladies walk With heels to set their chins atilt:

I like to hear the clergy talk Of other clergy’ s people’ s guilt; For happy is the amorous eye, And indignation clears the sky.

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PROVOCATIONS · John Drinkwater · Poetry Cove