Chance Upon

As she's lying there in sherbet panties         looking somewhat disaffected, a nez perce         expression bordered by sleep,         think of the Sultan's regalia         his entourage of kings         chance upon dark laughter from Saladein's[1] concubines,         Nell's[2] white turn of the knee         or the pretty bosom of a Confederate         officer's belle . . . all satin & lace ...         perhaps, again, the splendid neck         of Titian's choicest nude.         To further turn the phrase,         ponder a basket of fruit -         the sexual omnipotence         of its texture a dreamy sensuality         thickened by red Emperor grapes         ripened against the elongated nails         of a Pompadour's[3] milk white hand.         [1] Richard the Lion Hearted's adversary         [2] The Merrie Monarch's favourite mistress         [3] Louis xv's courtesan and adviser