119. Trafficker. Sandburg, Carl. 1916. Chicago Poems

Carl Sandburg (1878–1967). Chicago Poems. 1916.

119. Trafficker


AMONG the shadows where two streets cross,
A woman lurks in the dark and waits
To move on when a policeman heaves in view.
Smiling a broken smile from a face
Painted over haggard bones and desperate eyes,	5
All night she offers passers-by what they will
Of her beauty wasted, body faded, claims gone,
And no takers.