Feeling Like Eternity and Not Just the Golden Era
That halo light from Hollywood shines down
Across the decades. Garbo’s eyes still glow
And Marilyn enwrapped in glitter gown,
The sequins spangled, neckline cut so low
The breast bone almost passed between those shapes
The halters hold, the sparkles on her hips
So swollen, full, and, yes, the starry scapes
Across her breasts and belly, pure black lips
Against the white, white backgrounds—all of these,
And open mouth with teeth, the glowing arm
And shadowed shaven armpit, all to please
The generations after her great harm.
We almost manage to forget the pain
As Hollywood commanded in its reign.
~ Phillip Whidden