Dignity in Ritual Petticoats
The rose is like a courtly dance in New
Orleans two centuries ago. In shape
The blossom has formality as true
As layered dresses launched in crêpe
De chine across the ballroom floor. The scheme
Of petals in their strata, patterns, and their
Curls is like a grand quadrille which has the theme
Of stateliness in softly stiffened prayer
By nuns in meditation’s flounces. Grand
Though bud-like, ceremony’s pattern states
Its logic in a loveliness like fanned
Valse steps in elegance of silk-light weights.
These tea rose lavenders are like the flow
Of dreams of suave cotillions long ago.