Judy Kendall
There Are Always Men
for there are always men
in one shape or another
take your time
when sifting through the hangers
this magenta shift may suit
but if you scramble fast enough
you might locate its brother
in a shade superior
the other side of town
they come in different sizes:
Nice, Nasty and Appropriate
(Snow White knew them all)
and Durable, Wool-loving-care
Dry-clean-me-only, Iron-flat-
for-evening-wear
tint after tint of
purple
if wardrobe space is limited
the older models can be left
to languish on the floor
layer after layer
I've been through thousands
and am now knee-deep in bodies
victims of fashion
wading towards the latest Mr Right
who as always promises
to last forever
or a day
Judy Kendall lectures in English at Kanazawa university, Japan. She spends her time translating Noh plays, studying Japanese culture and writing poetry about her experiences. She is returning to England this year (2002) to gain further inspiration.
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