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.

[Chris]

I'm reminded of many "Bawdy" bits of rapscallion lore!

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Indeed thank you

[stars are far]

That was interesting work and a very well written one. i liked this read :)

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you.

[stars are far]

always my pleasure

[~]

I don't know why, but there is still something alluring about corsets. The feeling it leaves around my frame, holding it tight, being one with me, and underneath it all.. a desire to be held maybe? great study and well presented!

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you.

[Lenah Mehzabin]

This is captivating !
You wrote it with rhythms and perfections in every line
As a historical poem I must say it's really splendid .Enjoyed !

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you.

[MomzillaNC]

Another very sophisticated historical poem from you. Well penned.

Did you know there's a direct correlation to the changes in women's fashion and the changes in women's social roles and rights? The same is true of children's rights and protections, and of children's very survival rates. I studied it a long time ago, as an undergrad.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Absolutely, it's almost ,in it's most simplest form, "the clothes fit the man" or woman! thank you for the review.

[MomzillaNC]

yw :)

[Ty]

The rhymes are very on point. It's like an elegant history lesson. Thank you.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you.

[Valentine]

Something women of olden times were glad to shed. Nice to remember olden times. Kathie

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you.

[BeeBev]

A unique poem with a factual twist which proved to be an interesting read and really well written.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you.

[Saddam]

Interesting read dear......
I know lot with this. Thank you for sharing this.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you.