LordPeter List Literary Contest

Miss Harriet walked in the room to see
A flock of ladies, none from fashion free
Dressed, with cost, in ruffles, feathers, laces,
Which once were seen in other times and places.
She swiftly sat and ordered up a glass
Of something cold, to make the minutes pass.
Upon the floor a couple danced around
To music loud; it had a jazzy sound
"And yes," she thought," I'm very much afraid
"That is a waltz that now is being played."
"This is indeed a very strange estate
"Where women old look young to find a mate,
"Pretending to be what they never are,
"For some are from their youth a bit too far,
"While others walk as if they'd hardly move."
Yet on the morrow, sight will surely prove
On tennis court or way to useful work
That freedom is what they will never shirk,
For independence is the song they sing,
While they pretend to quite another thing.
Though times have changed, this rule will prove the same:
To ladies and their men, it's all a game.

-- Rachel Levy

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