The Sleeves Of Yesterday

The Sleeves of Yesterday
506

I wonder where the sleeves have flown
That erstwhile hid milady’s arms;
The present show of flesh and bone
Too oft reveals but doubtful charms A
style the washerwomen set
Is recognized as recherché-
Dame Fashion, it’s the worst thing yet!
Where are the sleeves of yesterday?

Hortense, whose “bridge”keeps her supplied
With lucre; Jane, who “does” her hair;
Marie, with a Marquis allied;
Annette, of waitresses most fair;
Be she of high or low degree
Each maid’s a part of the display
Of bare-armed femininity-
Where are the sleeves of yesterday?

They of the arms raw-boned and brown;
Spaghetti-like; of brawny strength;
Are they afraid of Fashion’s frown
That all their sleeves are elbow-length?
Some wear long gloves, but these are rare:
(There’s dearth of those long gloves, they say)
The vast majority go bare-
Where are the sleeves of yesterday?

Haste, Fashion, cover up the limb!
(A very vulgar term, you’ll say)
Though I be prudish, priggish, prim-
Where are the sleeves of yesterday?
Arthur D Pratt