The Woman

A beaded
dress, blitzy,
with pretty fringe
and golden straps.
A decoration
for expectant ears
and eager
eyes.
Its curved
figure drapes
like an hour
glass, hard
enough to
stop her heart--
Like how
sometimes butter
flies will rot in
side the chrysalis.

She could suffer
this dress,
again.
She only had
to submit.
She only had to do
nothing,

and it would wear
her right down.



2016, revised 2023