Neck and shoulders,

the promise of a bodice

makes the Gentleman

jingle at the edges.

He’d like to tip himself up

and pour himself in

to the shape of champagne glasses,

frothy with all the fizz

of a foreign language….

but for the fear of falling

flat on one’s face,

the tongue-tied gift   

to sink below his station.

 

Mademoiselle might merely

adjust her cleavage,

loosen a strap and dab

at the sweat on her forehead

before the obligatory swoon

to the Turkish carpet.  

He’ll have a doctor shine

a lamp inside her eyelids - 

just a touch of the vapours!

Pronounced with a flourish;

brought on to some purpose;

over-diluted entertainment

as light as a bubble.

 

Desires they may not avow

or that the author cannot allow

at this stage of the novel.