In a Cantina

Men removed their shirts
to reveal oiled skin – hair

over fatty layers – almost
ripe tits – my uncommon

view – raw at tables [with
re-filled glasses] – I didn’t

remove anything – not by
embarrassment’s rule – a

new propriety re-trained
me [Keep raiments on &

don’t follow herds – men
without shirts was one] –

soon our cantina was all
skin – a scene set by my

former lover – stripping –
men followed her – a cry

of misery lifted from me –
that’s how it ended – her

life – undressing for men
in pubs & bars for drinks

& her bared back dignity
[low to meet bar values]