The Crafty Old Woman Poem by Donna Saphier

The old woman walked passed
In a dirty old coat
It was scruffy and smelly
In need of a soak

Odd shoes on her feet
And hole's in her sock's
I think she was crying
She'd had a few knocks

Her brown leather bag
Which was falling apart
With her lifelong possessions
Held close to her heart

Where did she come from
Where was she heading
Her feet looked so sore
She was carefully treading

I followed the woman
For an hour or two
To see if there's anything
I could do

Where was she going
I wanted to see
I couldn't leave her like that
That wouldn't be me

She walked down a lane
Which led to a farm
I knew then that she
Was staying in a barn

I caught up with the woman
She pushed me away
I stood there quite shocked
Didn't know what to say

I just want to help you
Are you alright
She clung on to her bag
With all her might

I don't want your help
She shouted at me
I'm alright, I'm fine
Now just let me be

She entered the barn
I followed her in
A scruffy old mattress
A drink in a tin

You can't stay here
Please tell me what's wrong
She said that this
Is where she belonged

She'd had an affair
She had messed up her life
Her husband no more
Wants her as his wife

So here I will stay
It's just for a while
She sat on her bed
And gave a small smile

I said I would visit
The same time tomorrow
She asked me if I
Could give her a borrow

I gave her some money
Then went on my way
I knew the barn
Is where she would stay

The following morning
When I got to the barn
There was no-one there
It was quiet and calm

The woman had left
She had gone on her way
Look out for this woman
She's all dressed in grey

I found out that she
Does this every day
She's clever and crafty
And continues to prey

What an awful way
To make a living
On people like us
Who is always giving

If you see this woman
Don't fall into her trap
She has it planned out
You'll be next on her map