Water Fast (The Pearl Fishers)

Shopping in their heads          - a man a pair of shoes         right colour (tan, off-white) shape -         only good physiques need apply,         degree, tall;         self-confidence a "must".         Not yuppie, really,         more consumerism as in         I made the grade (she really         thinks this; meanwhile, she's         plump, dull).         Standing in the showroom window,         she spies the mirror image of herself.         Your attitude is your altitude.         Of course, he's "polished"         (tho' not worn), urbane         witty - this goes without saying.         Well-travelled, maybe, though potential         liability, here, suggestive of footloose.         Restless. Perhaps given over to bouts         of hedonism - a dangerous portent.         Feel I've stumbled back in time,         holding court with Cesare Borgia,         Lorenzo the Magnificent significantly         transformed to a Renaissance courtier.         Harpsichord and madrigal in hand (& head,),         I recite my litany.         I pack a mean wallop -         humour, I mean,         for no one on this spic 'n span         planet wants somebody too droll.         Intensity is a ripple from the sixties.         "Relationship", kickback to the after-glow         on-glow seventies.         Eighties women love "feedback",         "interfacing". Its fashionable to         think chic. Restless troubadours         should be dyed in their own ilk.         Sporty chaps are in demand, ones         with visceral longing for babies &         the peroxide smell of Javex in         diaper pails wafting thru their nostrils.         Heady brew, Perrier & BMW types.         Chrome-plated men with the         razzle-dazzle of the Boardroom         tugging at their cufflinks.         Mutual funds equates with mutual interests.         The man's wishes?         A dollop of Dijon mustard on you!         Hitting the nail on the head.         Holding up her middle finger         to dry nail polish, I see         my future and, golly,         does it ever shine.