You write about a place so dear
In all it's good and evil
A loving cup, an aching scar

You need no thread and needle
To sew your name into your clothes
Or hem a ragged line

All muscular and luminous
Oh !@(%e of mine


Ladies Oh ladies
My ladies
My fair and tender ladies


You raised yourself from mud and spit
And opened up your eyes

Stretching out your graceful limbs
From heart and soul on fire
From sidewalks and handlebars

Summer sun and evening stars
And unincorporated streets
Oh !@(%e I long to meet


Ladies Oh ladies
My ladies

My fair and tender ladies

Ladies


You set aside your trays and flowers
Like a ball and chain

You understood a time and place
Upon which you proclaimed
Your skirt was not to hide behind

Your womanhood no alibi
You would not live so man could die
Oh white-gloved !@(%e of mine


Ladies Oh ladies
My ladies

My fair and tender ladies