The Origin of the World
After the Painting by Gustave Courbet
Sheet pulled up over your arms and your head,
Thighs open wide and pudendum on show,
I can’t help thinking you look like you’re dead.
Maybe it's how you’re arranged on the bed
Makes one suppose there's a tag on your toe.
Sheet pulled up over your arms and your head,
You’re not a girl but an object instead,
Wholly reduced to anatomy, so
I can’t help thinking you look like you’re dead.
Scholars may tut and assert I’ve misread
What’s going on this picture, but no:
Sheet pulled up over your arms and your head
Means, in effect, your identity’s shed:
You’re Everywoman - I get it, although
I can’t help thinking you look like you’re dead.
Models for paintings don’t usually spread,
Flaunting the parts that they have down below.
Sheet pulled up over your arms and your head,
I can’t help thinking you look like you’re dead.