The Rivals / Archie Coates

The Rivals
Along the Avenue of an afternoon, Lithe, slim youths Sauntering … Sleek of hair, and trim, and narrow of hip, With white, soft necks, and ties puffed out,	       5 Beneath faces artfully made just a bit too beautiful And not quite manly. They stroll slowly, Shooting side-glances into passing faces, Meaningly. 10 At the corner A painted woman Shambles into a doorway … Her lips are of dry flame, And in her eyes are flames of hatred,	       15 Hatred and scorn, bitter and inexpressible, For these slim youths, Her rivals.