Mother Of Cripples



A restless shadow

Of a fiddler's elbow

Plays a tune to

Staggering feet

The burden of his songs

The looking glass scorns

At this disfigured

Odious face



Indeed alone

Hugging my breast

The sun I neglect

In darkness I roam



Offerings of flowers

On a barren grave

Where my body will lie

Uncared and unwept



Idle bait, my shawl on the lattice

Someone may see it

Perhaps look my way

No thread of sympathy

Unites me to man

I lay softly

Down once again



Within my aged walls

Taunts and vexatious

Fragments of a tune

Play most mournfully

With sadness in my voice

I break the solemn stillness

My drooping head falls

On languid hands



Ancient of days

Creator of life

From the womb

You have formed me

My vile sight You love

Covered by Your shadow

Held within Your hand

Made in Your likeness

Precious am I



The glare of a sinking flame

Binds me to my clay



Indeed alone

Hugging my breast

The sun I neglect

In darkness I roam



Offerings of flowers

I rest in the earth

My body will lie

Uncared and unwept.