Pink Gingham

Pink Gingham

She was a daughter of Eve

Sacred vessel

Arbiter of men’s fate.

She was to keep her hemline low and her lips pursed tight.

Girls were expelled for attending dance halls-

The Spanish inquisition could have learnt a thing or two

From the Mercy nuns-

And then the Sex Education-

How far should you let him go? Was a kiss sex? Or a hug?

A button undone? A bodice too low?-

On Radio Caroline the Bee Gees, The Stones and The Beatles

Women were burning bras all over America -

And she as forbidden to dance.

The arrival of the summer uniform

Pink gingham that lasted one term

Then back to the pinafore box pleats -

Pink gingham deemed an enticement to sin

And there were Homes for girls like that….

Copyright with Cathy leonard 2016