A Negro Woman

Carrying a bunch of marigolds

wrapped

in an old newspaper.

She carries them upright ,

bareheaded the bulk

of her thighs 

causing her to waddle

as she walks

looking into 

the store window which she passes

on her way.

What is she

but an ambassador

from another world

a world of pretty marigolds

of two shades 

which she announces 

not knowing that she does

other than walk the streets

holding the flowers upright

as a torch

so early in the morning.

-       -   William Carlos Williams ( 17th September-1883 - 4th March -1963)

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