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[ After Les coulisses de l’Opéra de Paris (1889) by Jean Bétraud ] I The dancers, hopeful for A life of less hardship, Some for themselves, Some for their families, Endure being grabbed And abused by those With wealth and position. The grace of their fairy dresses The hairslides and ballet shoes Mask a prying world, Lewd and lustful, Ready to exploit their Weakness leaving them Vulnerable, exposed. II For some this era is always there Exquisite, elated, radiant: Seeking endless pleasure Indulging all manner of Arousing fantasies. A hidden world of entitlement Accountable to none, Least of all to those suffering Humiliation at the hands of The rich and powerful. |
