BREAKING THE BEAUTY BARRIER

 

Bodies in orbit, all unmanned,

Circling her to gaze, admire.

Women befriend to catch the strays.

Never sure, like a wealthy man,

What is sought in their desires,

Interest swells with beauty and grace.

 

Glue for another's faltering wedlock;

Fancies husbands take in hand---

Scheming master baits his marriage.

Bedroom doors to beauty unlock;

Men in marriage see contraband.

Madison Avenue ads---a miscarriage.

 

Permits to talk and laugh and flirt---

Golden bands embody freedom with men;

Marriage wears beauty like a crown.

But eyes suspicious watch alert,

For masks of beauty on single women

Are savage lakes in which they drown.

 

 

Barbara Benjamin

Rhymed sestets

BBP201