Discreet Desire

have slept blissfully with masters 
endured mice of men 
been protected in the inner sanctum 
yet grovelled in poverty and pain
used my body to pull myself from its grip 

seen many vices 
secrets cleverly hidden 
learned when to speak, holding opinions
silence can be indeed golden 
as silver crosses sweaty palm

unmentioned blackmail, seen behind erotic eyes 
have manipulated, masterfully 
taken advantage of the attributes of beauty 
secrets learned at mother's knee

I've been abused as a lady 
worshipped as a whore 
through it all, needy beggars 
snickers behind my back 
oh the women so gentile 

see my smiling eyes 
it's in my bed they do lie 
outcast, yet bell of the ball
hushed need whispers my name
I move to its lure 

my body a delicious shine 
entombing the rich and noble 
influencing kings 
stature unknown, yet unlimited

I am courtesan, mistress, love,
substitute wife 
I'm what you wish me to be 
seductress of your mind 
gripping desire, courtesan
Copyright © | Year Posted 2006

Poem

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