"Singapore Annie"

“Singapore Annie”

Singapore Annie

Was eighty if a day

And a hard life

Had written it's story

Upon her raddled face

She'd graciously sit

And accept a drink

From guys on Bugis Street

Among the beautiful

Lady-boys

And the smart

Spotless kids

Who'd clean one's shoes

Or play tic-tac-toe

For money

And always 

Eventually win!

Annie earned her way

By hailing Mercedes taxis.

She wanted her special friends

To ride home in style.

And the drivers and her friends

Paid her a commission

When she knew you well

She'd coyly slide the hem

Of her cheongsam

Up her aged leg

And show a tattoo

A Highland Soldier

Painted upon her thigh.

Then from her handbag

She'd carefully take

A letter, much mended

With sticky stamp borders

It was dated long before

World War Two.

Then she'd ask one

To read the letter to her.

She'd sit with the glitter

Of tears

In her ancient eyes

As one read the words

Of a Soldier

Long dead.

Who had
Been enamoured 
Of her beauty
And obviously
Loved her dearly

Who says that
An Old Whore
Has no heart?

Copyright © Res JFB 28th September 2012