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.

[Jamestown]

Well done, love the imagery and discrimination given linen lines taken from a robins nest, wow
creative, thanks for sharing.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you.

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked the corset. Still used for weddings. I believe. I liked the history and story in the poem. Old world was different. Easy to make things more slender and erotic. Thank you my friend for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome.

[Poetic Beauty]

Corsets have changed a little over the years. They use to be worn under clothing and drawn so right they sometimes cut off breathing and circulation. Now they are worn on the outside for enticement and not so constrictive.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Indeed thank you

[Lyn Anderson]

The corset. Yes an interesting history indeed. But, except for the women who actually purport to enjoy binding themselves, new corsets only look like corsets, and really aren't.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

I agree, they are a far cry from the torture devices of old, thank you for the review.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i like this...i couldn't help but think of Scarlett O'Hara...and how she hated that damn thing---then ran lose without it...and Mammy yelling "it ain't right, it ain't right, it just ain't right"---

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Indeed Jacob, I must admit she was teetering on the edges of my mind as I wrote, thank you.

[Sami Khalil]

One of the best poems on the history of Corsets. I thought you wrote a poem for one of the poets on this site. But then I saw the history. Excellent...:)....

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Indeed, I felt that might happen, but no, history is my master! Thank you for the review darling.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome muchly...:).....

[ANTO]

"French sophistication and bawdy south" - brilliant juxtaposing here T

A really enjoyable journey through the ages Thomas and an eye-opener.
Thanks for the RR my friend
:))

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you darling, always a pleasure to hear from you.

[ANTO]

your very welcome Thomas - ditto