Camille at the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade

She marches between Dykes on Bikes,
Barbie dolls riding bitch, and
roller skating Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
Bearded men wear gold glitter, garter belts,
fish net stockings beneath their nun’s habits.

Camille is belle of the ball.
Struts her stuff in denim shorts split to the waist,
braless and muscular in tight lavender tank top,
nipples visible despite rainbow suspenders.

Collects names and phone numbers on paper scraps
the enamored have playfully stuffed into her pockets.
Pisses off her brother-in-law, a Dolly Parton impersonator
who hasn’t scored a single flirtation.
Shakes her ass to Sylvester, shockwaves of sexual disco.

Samples lipstick lesbianism, explores
her inner, equal opportunity slut,
takes an erotic walk on the wild side.

Jennifer Lagier has published nine poetry books and in multiple literary magazines. She taught with California Poets in the Schools and is now a retired college librarian/instructor, member of the Italian American Writers Association, co-edits the Homestead Review, helps coordinate monthly Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Second Sunday readings. Website: http://jlagier.net