Frothy nothings float  

on pearlescent hangers 

in boudoir colours;  

                                bashful pink,  

                duchess emerald, 

                               courtesan red.  

.

The styles vary too,  

from Blue Angel* to Lolita.

.

This lingerie establishment  

is cathedral-quiet, cavernous and incensed  

with a harem-heavy scent that slows 

all movement,  

transforms gestures,  

so that they grow Degas*-graceful. 

Oblique lighting reminds the pawing browser 

that these garments bear 

the responsibility and the honour 

of seduction. 

. 

Choose wisely, advocate. 

. 

Only one man 

dares beard the lion* 

and though legitimised  

by pilgrimaging girlfriend, still,  

he ensures absolution from the Sirens*; 

those alluring daughters of the Earth 

through digital diligence. 

Or perhaps, 

he prays to the mobile gods  

for protection, his questing fingers 

tapping out requests for intercession:  

Let not 

this mariner be lured to his death. 

Whichever the case, 

he risks surreptitious eye-sliding ventures 

at petite brunette,  

who has pedestalled Heidi Klum 

panties by raising dainties to mascara-height 

where she appraises gossamer lace,  

pale, heart-shaped, Golightly*-face  

quirked, 

finger cutely forms a dimple in one assessing cheek. 

She is infinitesimally lovely with moist  

sparrow eyes and orca-smooth 

dark-hair. 

. 

Who would not want to watch her? 

. 

Assistant materialises by her side as if summoned,  

retinue-ready to serve.  

Divine Holly considers, 'Does it come in an F?' 

. 

Voiced revelation wafts like spritzed perfume 

and all raise noses, inhale; 

unspoken thoughts swallow-dart 

till mosquito-mist disperses in bird-sighs - 

'Life's so unfair.' 

Mai qui. Tout à fait!*

*The Blue Angel is a 1930 German tragicomedic film starring Marlene Dietrich as Lola-Lola, a desirable Cabaret performer. 

*Edgar Degas was a French artist famous for his paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings. He is especially identified with the subject of dance and in particular, ballet. 

*beard the lion - confront a danger, take a risk 

*The Sirens were called the Muses of the lower world. Their song is continually calling on Persephone. The term "siren song" refers to an appeal that is hard to resist but that, if heeded, will lead to a bad conclusion. 

*Holly Golightly played by Audrey Hepburn in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. 

*tout à fait - exactly, absolutely