The Widow in the Bye Street

by John Masefield

'O Anna, my belov'd, if I were rich.'

It was her son, and Anna's voice replied,

'Dear boy, dear beauty boy, my love and pride.'

And he: 'It's but a silver thing, but I

Will earn you better lockets by and bye.'

'Dear boy, you mustn't.' 'But I mean to do.'

'What was that funny sort of noise I heard?'

'Where?' 'In the hedge; a sort of sob or coo.

Listen. It's gone.' 'It may have been a bird.'

Jim tossed a stone but mother never stirred.