Poems

This poem parallels images of the Biblical queen Esther in modern beauty regimens with images of King Xerxes’ wealth, privilege, and power. 

First published in 45th Parallel 

Summer 478 BCE: Esther

YOU:

A single braid
on the side of the head

Express taxi downtown
beauty is done to me

Sit back and enjoy
a modern look

Ask your eunuch
stylist which myrrh

is right for you
(elevate your routine)

Worthy beauty brigade elite
bestow ancient spice ritual:

Spa year, harem days, new look,
odalisque parties (new BFFs)

Compulsory happy hours
with a gym bag, salon silk therapy

Saint-Tropez minus vacay,
dressing delicious, deep clean

Streamlined body, born to shine
one-in-a-million fountain of truth


A sophisticated chic matte
creates intimacy

Must-have sleek pineapple flower
pure moon hair goals

A celebration
of skin

Better than
his ex

Unconventional living proof, alluring
savvy, brave, two-faced essentials

Keep out of trouble, glazed, blowout
fierce, fabulous femme of candied lips

Ask for luxurious ingredients, you get
the good stuff. Trust us,

Indulgence, be pigmented, mermaid vibes
ready to play, unblush ripe

Hide natural home pride
behind hazel eyes, erase lines,

This is
a limited time offer!

And you’ve received
a ton of buzz lately

Whipped rose, tousled bed head
perfectly undone

Your gift,
everything you need…
is You.

HIM:

Vintage

                        Elegantly rugged

Oak and steel heat

                        Beard master

Bold connoisseur

                        Control-addict philosophy

Heavy metal Versace

                        Full-volume amber damage

L’homme

                        Sauvage

Lights dimmed

                        Boss

Wild at heart

                        Urban Eros

Essential oils

                        Roi

Bronze

 

                        Surge


Charcoal

                        Rush


Juniper


                        Gin

 

Blood

                        Citrus

Sandalwood

                        Finish

Firm

                        Edition

 

Beware his mood,

                        His scent

Until the sun

                    comes up

                                  and beyond—
His thirst

            will crush

                        every part of you.

Elisabeth Mehl Greene © 2021