Gala

Some details from last night:
--my mother's black evening bag, circa 1940-something,
on its chain handle around my wrist
--black silk Farragamo stiletto heels (ouch!)
--a silver brooch in a Book of Kells pattern
--a fringed silk-burnout shawl with Celtic knots
--shimmery stockings
--LBD.

And that was on the modest side.
I did not, unlike some other women, wear:
--a gown with a train
--cleavage that bubbled-up like a boiling-over pan of cream
--ruffles! ruffles! ruffles!
--rustles and rustles of satin/taffeta
--27 yards of lace.

Oh you men, you have it so easy.