Bernadette Hall

JULIET’S DRAWING

at the age of 5

Let’s face it!   The princesses
sauntering down the page
are more than a trifle bawdy;
their bare breasts spiral
and their jewelled nipples.

This one is shaped like a piano;
spiders and butterflies flame
in the gauzy nets of her petticoat;
her eyes are blue bordered green;
she whistles shrilly between her teeth;
her square feet splay to the left.

This other has a tubular gown,
blue with a purple, picot trim;
aphids and ladybirds cling with sticky feet
to the lavender strings of her hair;
she has three pink lashes.

Both are very happy, thank you,
with their odours and secretions.
They always push their luck.
At night they sleep, each one,
with a hand on her own soft crotch.
They are always smiling.

From HEARTWOOD (Caxton Press, 1989)
© Bernadette Hall
 

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Last updated 24 March, 2005