WHORES

To us, it is 'the profession';
to men, we are a possession
to hire and use an hour or more;
to society, common whore,
tart, slut, easy virtued harlot,
or, more discreet, woman scarlet.
Like parcels we are passed around
for pennies, shillings, even pound
depending on what clientele
are enticed to drink from the well.
We seek living through our flesh,
age early when not young and fresh.

The pox, pregnancy, abortion,
death in poorhouse is our portion.
A wasting death may be our lot,
heralded by the pox black spot.
Those who do prosper at this game
can afford to keep beauty same
and dress themselves in finest wear
(with or without the underwear),
keep faces pristine with the paint
glossing promiscuity's taint.
Dignified, for discerning man,
by euphemism 'courtesan'.