La Lorette, 1869

Interior, (sometimes titled, Le Viol), by Edgar Degas (b. France), 1868 or 1869.

La Lorette, 1869
     
Silk ribbons on a white chemise.
           Wild flowers, periwinkle blue,

Ah, she is new.  Quite lovely.
          in a spring meadow. I pick some,

Her corset, trimmed in lace, breasts and belly pale.
          for a vase on the mantle.  In an hour's time

I am sated, gather hat and gloves.
          the blossoms turn a dirty white and droop,

Blood on her petticoat.
          petals wilted.


Sarah Russell
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This poem was written as part of the 20 Poem Challenge.

​Sarah Russell has returned to metaphor after a career teaching, writing and editing academic prose. Her poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in Kentucky Review, Misfit Magazine, Red River Review, Ekphrastic Magazine, and Black Poppy Review, among others.  More poems at www.SarahRussellPoetry.com.