by Colin Finnie

Languidly, Lalage lolls on the ottoman
    Popping a sweetment between cherry lips,
Quite unconcerned about whether she's got a man—
    Adding the inches to waistline and hips.

Turkish delight and delicious rum truffles
    Liquorice allsorts and strawberry cream
Sweetly combine with her raspberry ruffles
    All in an indolent chocolate dream.

'Lalage, think of your face and your figure, girl.
    Lalage, think of the arteries you clog.
Lalage, rise from your stupor with vigour, girl,
    Do some aerobics, or go out and jog.'

Drowsily, Lalage stirs from her lethargy
    Crosses the room with a neat pirouette
Stricken with guilt, but uncertain whether she
    Should be more active but, please Lord, not yet!

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