Postulants and novices—with the glow
Of great devotion, honesty itself,
You teach them hatred of their woman-flesh
Eying their bodies with flagellant gaze
Approving shame’s rebellion. Maidenhead!
A well spiced joke! The carnal maidenhead
Untaken, but the maidenhead of spirit
Stolen away. Rachel in your good care!
She says three years’ probation. For three years
Humiliation, then she takes the veil