Poem A Day

Classic poem

Scandal

by John Clare

She hastens out and scarcely pins her clothes

To hear the news and tell the news she knows;

She talks of sluts, marks each unmended gown,

Her self the dirtiest slut in all the town.

She stands with eager haste at slander's tale,

And drinks the news as drunkards drink their ale.

Excuse is ready at the biggest lie--

She only heard it and it passes bye.

The very cat looks up and knows her face

And hastens to the chair to get the place;

When once set down she never goes away,

Till tales are done and talk has nought to say.

She goes from house to house the village oer,

Her slander bothers everybody's door.

identitytimechoice
Public domain/Source

About this poem

First line
She hastens out and scarcely pins her clothes
Poet
John Clare
Themes
identity, time, choice

Poem A Day

Save this poem in the app.

Favorite it in the app and get tomorrow's classic poem.