One More Unfortunate

by Thomas Hood.

One more Unfortunate,     
  Weary of breath,     
Rashly importunate,     
  Gone to her death!     
 
Take her up tenderly,           
  Lift her with care;     
Fashion'd so slenderly     
  Young, and so fair!     
 
Look at her garments     
Clinging like cerements;     
Whilst the wave constantly     
  Drips from her clothing;     
Take her up instantly,     
  Loving, not loathing. 

Touch her not scornfully;
Think of her mournfully,     
  Gently and humanly;     
Not of the stains of her,     
All that remains of her     
  Now is pure womanly.

Full poem. 

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 Photo from Joanna Lipper's book, "Growing Up Fast" which reminds me of the woman in the "Bridge of Sighs."