the long gloves

there was a time
when sophisticated women wore
long gloves.

thin and tight,

maybe they still do
on park, or Madison, or
5th avenue.

haven't been there in a while.

but the long gloves were
a fashion.

white, or black, stretched out
over a long slender arm,

ala Audrey hepurn, or
liz taylor
perhaps.

it wasn't so much to keep
the cold out.

it was more of a statement.

I can see them now, a cigarette
in a holder,
elbow bent

with eyes a flutter.
a cat like smile
in place, the ribbons

of smoke about them.
cool and reflective,

so confident with those long
gloves on.