Just The Governess

Gray dress and curl-less bun
Touching silks and satins
Fetching gloves and parasols
Just the governess

Teaching her to paint a plate
Correcting her scripted letter
Mending the torn silken shawl
Just the governess

No one admires me
Blush of cheek now gone
No playful sparkle in my eye
Just the governess

Hair singed around the edge
Bruises on my arms
Laughing faces in my memory
Just the governess

Mean flirting in dark corners
Passionate hands roving
Tireless in his desired pursuit
Just the governess

Fine parties with fine guests
She’s the apple of his eye
Engagement and following applause
Just the governess

Pack her fine things carefully
Do not crush the silk
My belongings in one case
Just the governess

Out the door with no goodbye
Jobless, homeless, careless
Back to the agency for another position as
Just the governess