Demi Mondaine

DEMI-MONDAINE You belong in silhouette to the dream’s theft And weft with paid desire, look all adoring At the man who’s made your life bereft Of actual household dreams, he says it’s boring Fresh linen, dimity and damask blue Would be my veil, too, for daring To ask: did it happen to you too? And: when did your sorrow go past caring? Don’t try to leave this room without an answer Or you’ll turn back – the swathe of silk In my eyes - you see, at heart a dancer Each night I come home with the doorstep milk - In the big bad world to be a cinch in style, In the good small world to be a bright tear trickling. by Rosemarie Rowley IN MEMORY OF HER 2008