On...Poetry

First a poem by one of my favorites, the English poet Robert Herrick, a randy scoundrel.

DELIGHT IN DISORDER
by Robert Herrick


A SWEET disorder in the dress
Kindles in clothes a wantonness :
A lawn about the shoulders thrown
Into a fine distraction :
An erring lace which here and there
Enthrals the crimson stomacher :
A cuff neglectful, and thereby
Ribbons to flow confusedly :
A winning wave (deserving note)
In the tempestuous petticoat :
A careless shoe-string, in whose tie
I see a wild civility :
Do more bewitch me than when art
Is too precise in every part.

Last year I updated the poem (forgive my sacrilege)

Delight in Disorder Renewed: An Ode to Robert Herrick
by Mark A. Trexler

A sweet disorder in the dress
of ladies, here a touch of mess.
A scarf of ruby color thrown
haphazardly bare shoulders shown.
In floating lace, which here and there
hooks upon silky underwear.
A button neglected, ah me!
A soft curve or rosebud to see.
A winning smile, a gust so high
Skirts up! Exposing creamy thigh.
Or bending down, what should appear?
Why only a white cheeky rear.
So ladies, maintain your proud work
for moral men's lustful eyes do lurk.