Deirdre J. Cameron
‘The Bearded Lady’ by José De Ribera
17th Century, Spanish
My name is Magdalena Ventura.
I come from Naples.
Now age fifty,
I’ve borne seven children.
This is the youngest.
I am like the Madonna,
baby sucking at my swollen breast.
My face is strong and proud.
I will not shave off my beard,
I know who I am.
Mother said I was a pretty girl.
All the young men asked for my hand.
Now my family are ashamed,
I am the talk of the neighbourhood.
Let them talk.
My husband stands in my shadow
with a mingled expression
of remorse and astonishment.
I will not shave off my beard,
I know what I am.
Page(s) 26
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