Ironic poem about prostitution: by George Orwell

When I was young and had no sense
In far-off Mandalay
I lost my heart to a Burmese girl
As lovely as the day.

Her skin was gold, her hair was jet,
Her teeth were ivory;
I said, “for twenty silver pieces,
Maiden, sleep with me”.

She looked at me, so pure, so sad,
The loveliest thing alive,

And in her lisping, virgin voice,

Stood out for twenty-five.

1925 - Published under Orwell's birthname of "Eric Blair".

George Orwell