I wrote this poem for Lesbian Visibility Week and I’ve titled it Lady In Waiting. I hope you enjoy the read
Lady In Waiting
She was always the one
to step up and do her duty
without complaint
showing commendable
restraint
as she dreamed of ladies days at Ascot and Wimbledon
respectable was her way for all occasions
as a lady in waiting
no-one would have ever have guessed
the secret she kept
locked beneath her dress
society was much stricter then
there were no pride marches or rainbow flags in her day
it just wasn’t the way of the world
but of course times change
now women love women
and girls love girls
just as nature intended
if that is the road mapped out for their desires
having reached the autumn of her years
she takes comfort in the fact
no-one saw the tears
which led to summer floods
and caused so much pain
she wears bold colours
and statement tights
they shout loud and proud
such things would never have been allowed
in her youth
she was born in a body which felt like a cage
Now she claims her stage
though it’s taken her longer to dance
as the woman she is
than it did for others
later than she would have liked
she has discovered herself
her emotional health is better than ever
she realises her truth
and it’s better late than never
she won’t be wished away
no matter the opinions of others
especially those who shout at the moon
Now she sings freely
the songs she wants to sing
she will respect herself in the morning
and without warning
kiss her girlfriend
whilst waiting for a bus
or at a picnic in the park with only two invitations
she is happy now
accepting no limitations she is proud of who she is and always has been
she needs no seal of approval nor even consent
she is content to enjoy the taste of lipstick
as she and her lover share a tender moment
this is her time to be herself
to make the memories denied in her earlier years
now smiles replace the tears
the lady in waiting who watched songs of praise
says a prayer and steps up to do her duty
singing hymns of thanks to Sappho
she breaks bread with the girls
and prepares to sip the wine.
© Gayle Smith 2022