The Girl in the 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.
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