Sunday, May 5, 2013

Not Wanting (Poem)


Mary Cassatt 
Young Woman Picking the Fruit of Knowledge (Study), 1892
Oil on Canvas
Private Collection

Not Wanting

Eve's daughter
still doesn't have
the answer to how

you both reach up
and lean on.
Oh, she's practiced

the look, you
her model for any
role — hair shorn

and slicked back,
in the man's way,
eyes ever focused

on some prize
to be won, unringed
left hand steadying.

I advise her not
to wear pink,
to always avoid

too-fast moves
that will leave her
unsupported.

The challenge
is to be seen
not wanting.

© 2013 Maureen E. Doallas
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This poem is my response to today's photo prompt provided by Tess Kincaid at Magpie Tales. Go here to read others' work or to drop the link to your own poem or flash-fiction post inspired by the image.

4 comments:

The Write Girl said...

This poem reads like the woman's biography, and there are many women who do no wish to be caught wanting. A brilliant selection of words and creativity.

Berowne said...

Winning, appealing writing; thanks for sharing.

Laurie Kolp said...

Ooh... I love your ending.

Tess Kincaid said...

Excellent...although I have a new appreciation for pink...