Pretty

24 April 2008
Kew Gardens, England

I love the way you use the word “pretty”
For I have learned to place less trust on it ;
It’s not that “pretty” isn’t wonderful ,
It’s just that often it serves to deceive
Dumb men that fall for fruit that seems so good ;
Only to find beneath skin’s glow it’s sour.

For ugly sends its own visage to warn :—
Like Gila Monsters or Arachnids do ;
Rare forms imbued with meanings of danger
Ensuring no casual encounters form ;
Unlike women who use rouge and lipstick
To dazzle and lure in male innocents.

So keep the “pretty” chameleons far
From this idiot that thinks all glitter’s gold ;
For I’ve been bit more than I should have been
By creatures oozing out perfumed beauty ;
Since now I know that form and function match
And deadly to the male is “pretty’s” touch.