POETRY.

TO THE LITERARY LADIES

Here they come the clever ladies

in their detachable Peter Pan collars

their fringes their sober mein

hiding such anger such

subtle vices dizzying torments

how do they manage to keep it intact

that demeanour? Is it something they've learned?

Not from George rough-hewn or Emily

choking her mastiff down on the moors.

No it's Jane with her simpering smile

her malice her maidenly virtues

rustling through the 20th Century seminars

sitting on platforms discussing

manner and style how to instruct

& parry impertinent questions.

BY DOROTHY HEWETT