Robert Anning Bell, English
“Here It Comes, Ladies! Remember, Last One To Move Wins,” 1909
Oil on canvas
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MASTEPIECE #3728
/// She had fired straight upward, The Arrow,
so its angle descending is narrow.
Their heartbeats would quicken
each time they played chicken.
The thrill of the danger would harrow.
/// Though they risked being killed or impaled,
none who tested their bravery failed.
A few visibly paled
but none fled, flinched or quailed.
Faith and Amazon training prevailed.
/// She’s right-handed; her right breast is bare,
but myths say there should be nothing there.
To improve force and aim
Amazons would self-maim.
(They would amputate one of the pair.)
Alternate versions created for GoComics:
/// Though they risked being hurt or impaled,
when their courage was tested none failed.
A few visibly paled,
but none moved, flinched or quailed.
Years of training and faith had prevailed.
/// She’s right-handed; her right bosom’s bare.
Yet there shouldn’t be anything there.
By their Amazon creed,
for best aim she would need
amputation of one of the pair.
/// Her first arrow just grazed a bird’s knee
as it took off from yonder pear tree.
A low-flying partridge
could not dodge a cartridge,
(but they’re not yet invented B.C.).