David Warnsbrough poem on silk

This is the full transcript of a poem on silk written exclusively for Simply Silk by a well know poet  David Wansbrough, Sydney,  Australia

SILK

Silk. Whisper the word slowly so the lips pout,

but not quite kiss. Silk. No other sound

allows the tongue to rhythmically undulate,

until the top of its tip barely touches the front

palette. Silk. A child would laugh with delight

at a silk scarf’s ripple. It reflects and flicks

light all along its shimmering length.

Sages mystically wrote that silk worn

near naked flesh was armour for a soul that is hurt.

It must be so. They said each thread was spun rays

of moon and sun. Implicitly yin and yang.

***

Imagine an erotic glimpse of pale smooth skin,

enfolded by dark layers, flashing colours.

Such a sight aroused even a jaded Asiatic potentate

to select a concubine and honour her forever

with exotic carved jewel flowers.

***

A silk scarf over denims or dungarees

evokes an innovator, or perhaps a revolutionary.

***

The embroidered stole of a Byzantine Empress

empowered her to rule with authority ranks

of scheming eunuchs, and defy ecclesiastics’ anathemas.

***

A petit Russian Contessa, teasing with just a little décolletage

her muscled officer lovers to stand to attention.

***

Silk gives dignity, and yet suggests

the mysterious revelation of a sensual secret.

Diaphanous silk reveals the spiritual,

woven through the physical.

***

Whisper, “Silk”. Such a soft word is a caress –

and hints at its reality. Silk. Slip out of your dress. Let it rustle

as it falls to the floor. And as the illusion of the colours hover, step out of it.

And walk to your lover.

D. Wansbrough                             Sydney, Australia 2010