Cockshut Time

A girl’s moon face

spied from the pinched attic

crested

white

pressed against the pane

a maudlin quest to a whetted cockshut

when delicate toilette

left ruby lips and cheeks powdered

white

against a shaking balustrade

a slender hand

a satin slippered step

in a spirited house

a carnal unfettered court.

Graceful waste

on a wistful boy

listless boy

quench yourself in this boarded house.

I alone keep my ill repute.

2007 by Kim McDougall