Corset.

A look at the history of the Corset.

A pair of stays to bind in fashion,

Stiff bodice lift those ample breasts,

French sophistication and bawdy south,

Linen lines taken from the robin's nests.

Once seen in times known to all Baroque,

Steel cages more true to the name,

Renaissance blushed at the very sight,

This hidden and blustering shame.

Georgian era was always that late,

Yet women united to sheer the skin,

Frills and cuffs were the new bloom,

The dowdy apron given to the bin.

Victorian, Edwardian seen a rise of empire,

When romance boasts the whale bone done,

Now scattered in all weddings and burlesque,

Dear Corset is set in memory to run and run.

Author's Note

Just a study in historical fashion.

Reviews

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Surely most uncomfortable...but the image is striking as is this. The torture of the corseted female is rather telling of the time frame. Did, or do women wear them for men or for their own reflection...hmmm. That is a tricky one. This is such an interesting piece and well done. A bit of history in poem and you have spurred me to thinking...there goes the hour.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Indeed, thank you.

[Sarah Nicole Nadler]

A well-written piece on an interesting choice of subject.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you.

[Pryde Foltz]

This write had me smiling all through ... ah the power of the bosom. Great write as always from you fine and intelligent pen:)

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you darling.

[Caddy]

I work in the Ren Faire circuits and know first hand how awful corsets are as I own many and have worn them for countless hours.
It's a lovely little read, showing the good and bad of what women go thru for beauty.
Well done.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you Caddy.

[Carolynn]

Interesting historical poem. Women always seem to enjoy inflicting pain on themselves in order to gain attention - why don't the men try as hard for the woman ;)

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Indeed, it seems we don't have to, well at least historically speaking.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A friend of my ex-wife once told me "You have to suffer to perceive joy." And it seems women are more prepared to do so because they still inflict upon themselves some rather self injurious rites. High heels for example, having their legs and other parts waxed etc. Interesting canter through the history of the corset now replaced with the basque.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

thank you.

[rndarly23]

yahhhhh.....corsets were seriously steel cages. I can hardly stand wearing a freaking bra....feel bad for those renaissance women..but I like how you talk about the romantic part of it and the study of where in history it took place....and then you ended it with where they are seen now..really interesting subject. Historical fashion. :) Keep writing. :) Thank for sharing. I enjoyed it.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

I completely agree and thank you for your comments.

[Rick Puetter]

A good study. So true. The corset. Uncomfortable, yet so sexually engaging that women wear it to capture the fancy of men. And as you say, it is everywhere today, even at weddings, reminding the groom of his sexual prize for that evening.

A sophisticated write dealing gracefully with its subject. Very nicely done.

Rick

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you.

[TL Boehm]

And they keep coming back. I prefer the poem to the garment. The poem is wonderful. the garment - an instrument of torment. Well penned.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

thank you.

[Mary Bradley]

Well written historical poem . Lovely to read and learn about those era's fashion trends .

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you.