Lady Agnew of Lochnaw, a Painting Paid for by Her Baronet,
She Loved by More than Just the Viewer
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
By John Singer Sargent – Own work by Ad Meskens., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29347966
The lady wanted prettiness and style.
(The Yankee artist wanted pounds.) The chintz
Gave both her wants. A “quizzical half-smile”*
Invites a conversation, or it hints
At that. Chiffon hides shoulders, who knows why?
Her breasts are also secret underneath
Its gauziness. From each dark, glinting eye
A depth of prettiness proceeds. The sheath
Of satin wraps around her waist. She holds
A flower, it seems, a swishingness of white.
This prettiness perhaps is linked to folds
Of suaveness, silken freedom, nothing tight.
Then almost hidden till you notice comes
The lavender of valentine. That thrums.
~ Phillip Whidden
by phillipw | Sep 15, 2024 | Uncategorized |