Lady in Waiting
They gawk at me, take photos
with no concern for my modesty,
stuck,as I am, in this marbled pose,
arthritic joints aching, ridiculous
pigeons plopped on my head,
sleet sheathing my arms and breasts,
come winter.
I watch for my prince to come.
He has dallied with Cinderella
too long.
Marble lasts when glass slippers break
and golden youth fades,
so I
will wait for my wild kiss of freedom,
then two-time him, too, frolic with Dwarfs,
tease Big Bad Wolves, and play
with wee piggies all evening.
Pris Campbell
©2004
Photograph: Modified graphic of statue at Flagler Museum,
Palm Beach, Florida
