Princess – Poem by K Garth

princess

He makes her wear the crown.  Her maids remove

the rest:  a corset, crinoline undone

by agile hands.  Their gamine giggles proof

she’s right to shudder at what has begun.

 

He makes her stand and wait.  A bob

of hexagons of pearls and rubies sharp

against pale temples harmonize the throb

below so new, beneath a virgin heart.

 

He makes her kneel.  It’s what she’s bred to do

obey this man appointed and blessed

by God and elders.  Her lips and true

eyes open to what bliss he may bequest.

 

Two knees that never kneeled before today,

his kingdom such a paltry price to pay.