A Ballad about a Lady in Amsterdam

By Munda

In Amsterdam a lady sat behind a window pane.

When passers-by looked in they saw a site they'd not forget.

She had three legs, but one was not for walking on at all.

When asked if I would come inside, I said, “You surely jest.”

“I know it seems a little strange I walk around these streets.

A Red Light District’s something we don’t have back home you see,

And after all the stories told by family and friends,

I felt the need to acquiesce to curiosity.”

“But may I ask you madam at the risk of being blunt,

About the artificial leg that’s hanging on your wall?”

“Well surely lad,” she said, “ 'twould be my pleasure to reveal

The mystery behind this decoration to you all.”

“As you well know most people do not think much of us whores.

They seems to think we’re dangerous, much worse than a disease;

But what if no one would fulfill the sexual needs of men?

How many women out there would be seen as sex trophies?”

“For often time is paid for just to have a listening ear,

A reassuring smile, or simply not to be alone.

Of course we’re also paid to make a fantasy come true;

No strings attached, no promises, the battle of hormones.”

“And how about the handicapped? They also have desires.

‘Cause when they fall in love it mostly means platonically.

They pay me for a loving touch; some tenderness, a dream,

But most of all I help them to escape reality.”

“One day a client dropped by with a smile upon his face,

Presenting me a parcel large, inside a wooden leg.”

He said; “I hope I don’t offend you with this gift my dear,

Please give me a few minutes to explain to you I beg.”

“It’s meant as token of appreciation by all men

With handicaps, who were at loss by world’s coldest embrace.

Through you I’ve learned I’m still a man, inside I am complete,

Accept this wooden leg, I beg, as medal for your grace.”

“I never had another gift that’s meant so much to me,

And therefore it’s upon my wall for everyone to see.

Now all I ask of you dear lad, returning overseas,

Please don’t speak badly of us Sir, we’re more than eyes can see.”