Women in the Garden
an interpretation taken from a painting by Claude Monet
Britt Kulwicki
What I wouldn't give
to be a woman in the garden.
I would wear all white
with small colored details.
I would have my hair pinned back,
by a ribbon,
away from the nape of my neck.
My face would be nondescript
but entirely full of life.
Featureless,
yet so full of emotion.
I would have not a care in the world,
except for the sun's light ceasing.
I would be admired
from near,
by a successful man,
able to be out in the afternoon.
Romantic inquiry would cross his face
as he gazed at my pale complexion.
I would be surrounded
by fragrant flowers,
weaving them into wreaths,
or perhaps flower crowns.
So eloquent.
So secret.
A private afternoon.
What I wouldn't give
to be a woman in the garden.