Classic Poem

All you care to do on earth is to make a show,
Sing a song of vanity, see the people stare!
And you get an audience everywhere you go....
Lady-bird, whose tears are those diamonds in your hair?

Lady-bird, Lady-bird, show your silken hose;
Little children at the looms died to make your clothes.

Naked arms and beautiful — silver bloom of silk;
Feet that glide in golden shoes; lips as dear as love,
Heart as... Hear the striker's wife beg a pint of milk
While you dance in Babylon! Save us, God above!

Lady-bird, Lady-bird, dance the night away,
While the maimed in Mary's House are moaning for the day.

Eyes as clear as summer stars; voice that's like a song;
Hand as smooth as lily-bell, indolent and white,
Jeweled like a courtesan's fingers slim and long;
Soul as proud and desolate as the desert night.

Lady-bird, Lady-bird, draw your skirts aside;
There is where a counter-girl knew her shame and died.

Readings and theatricals, all to help the poor;
While your noble charities make a righteous fuss;
And the shawls and down-and-outs shiver at the door
Muttering and whispering, " Ten per cent for us! "

Lady-bird, Lady-bird, wear the heron's breast;
What about the fledgelings starving in the nest?

What's the use of putting on any side at all,
You, my pretty lady bird, satin, fur and lace?
You will have to answer up when we get the Call;
Won't we all be naked when we reach the Other Place!