I recently took down from my bookcase Robert Service’s “The Spell of the Yukon”. Amongst the poems contained in that book is “My Madonna”, and reading it reminded me of this article, hence the reblog. Kevin
In “My Madonna”, by Robert W. Service, the narrator describes how he “hailed” a prostitute “from the street” and painted her portrait. Having added a halo to the original painting, the poet/narrator sells the portrait, which now hangs in a church” Where you and all may see”.
It is merely my interpretation, but the line “ And I sold her and took my fee”, suggests to me a connection between the subject of the painting (a prostitute) and the poet (over and above the obvious fact that he painted her portrait). Both are selling something. In the case of the “Madonna” this is sex, while the poet is selling the prostitute’s painting and, in a sense the girl herself.
You can find the poem here, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46644/my-madonna
K Morris - Poet 
I love this poem, Kevin. I’d not come across it before. It says such a lot. I think I’ll be looking our for more of Robert Service’s poetry.
I’m glad you like this poem, Vivienne. I also think that it is a good poem which does, as you state “say a lot”. I hope you enjoy reading more of Service’s work, which I’m sure you will. Best wishes. Kevin