Girl At The Window, After Rembrandt Poem by June Webster

Don't accept my mien as reserve or wistfulness.
I'm looking straight at whoever takes time to grasp
what lies beyond the guise, into my eyes and my soul.

Many things have been said about me; I am a courtesan,
Jewish bride, the servant that attended the newlyweds,
you will never know however hard you try.

Look; my complexion is rosy, arms tanned, perhaps the artist
chose to fool you.You consider my dress to be modest,
creased, that of a humble creature?Can you be sure?

Clothes can be borrowed. Rough and tumble the cause.
Think about the necklace my fingers are caressing.
Study my headdress and red string that ties my hair.

And the earthenware vessel to my left, so rustic.
So now you are making up your mind as to who I am.
Stare deeper into my eyes, realise you will never know.

I will continue to taunt you each time you look at me.
I'm the girl in the window, once seen, you will never forget.
My spirit will live on in your mind, my eyes will haunt you.