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The Girl in the Picture

entry picture

Further off behind her, the Parthenon,

bleached white in classical light,

is little more than staging,

 

the backdrop they’ve chosen

–this girl and the boy who loves her–

to frame her near- flawless style.

 

And why would a goddess

matter to her, or the distant era

when myths were real?

 

There are idols enough

for her to aspire to

in the pages of Vogue and Marie Claire.

 

The boy is patient and knows

his part: to capture her pose

when she smiles she’s ready.

 

Her slight form balanced

on elegant, impractical heels

her head is tilted

 

to show its more auspicious side.

Between each perfect shot,

she adjusts her hair again.

 

Brushed out ceremoniously,

it is cast to the wind or rivers

past neck and shoulder.

 

Oblivious to those

who scurry around her

like so many extras,

 

she will instagram her best face

to the friends at home

she keeps updated.

 

 

◄ Chasin' the Breeze

The Girl in the Picture ►

Comments

Profile image

raypool

Wed 28th Dec 2016 15:53

Beautifully balanced and clear, David - a whole state of mind and a tribute to the vagaries of advertising. A very fine piece of work, with no extra padding.

Especially effective is the triptych form of the lines.

Ray

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