Should'st read these lines, some former pal,
"Jennie June" remembered hast;
Now after twenty-six years,
I hail thee with heartfelt greeting;
Beseech Benediction on thine head,
In lieu of present meeting.
French Doll Baby[1]
Young bloods prom'nade Fourteenth Street's pave—
Each eve out for a lark;
Their eyes "peeled" for French doll babies;
With whom they sigh to spark;
Why admire the fraidcat babies,
Who weep easily?
The helpless crippled sex e'en seek! —
Harebrained gentility! . . . .
Cheeks a beauteous red through rouge puff;
Pink powder (pretty, pretty ! ! ! ) 'pon nose;
One inhales as she nigh minceth,
Such soothing scent of rose!
Locks — so silklike — reach to shoulders;
Gown of "art" design;
Coquette extreme must she be sure;
All signs she doth combine.
- ↑ See THE FEMALE-IMPERSONATORS, page 153. Second stanza is a free translation from Beranger. For original, see AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN ANDROGYNE, page viii.
