walking through the city I saw the young girls
with bodies all silk from underthings to eyebrows
legs shaven
heels pumiced
nails glossed
hair lacquered
thighs taut
eyes clear
glad-breasted tittering girls
and I wondered how even for an hour
you could love a woman who has no silk
no silk
only burlap
and that
well worn
tattered
and frayed
with the effort of making a soul
– Doris Vanderlipp Manley (from When I Am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple)
My mother wrote this poem so thanks for posting.She just died at age 90 on Nov.25 2014.She wasn’t in the habit of reading blogs,though she did use a computer and made good use of garage band in particular,but I think she would’ve liked yours.
LikeLike
The poem moved me. I’m glad I posted it and more glad you found it here, thank you.
LikeLike
I just found and read your mother’s obituary. What an amazing woman, who led a full, socially conscious and creative life. My condolences to you and your family .
LikeLike