An Invitation

Dear Readers,

The last time I checked, there were two female Sergeant Majors in the Irish Defence Forces.

However, one night recently, I dreamt there was a sergeant major in my head keeping a tight check on proceedings there. So, there may be more of them - marching around in Irish psyches! The dream prompted this poem.. 

Le Grá,

Frances

An Invitation 

I can tell by the bronze badge on your peaked cap
that you have been around a while.
Long ago you let go of your ribbons.

But dear Sergeant Major,
for a brief respite,
would you like to loosen the leather 
of your Sam Browne belt,
unhook the binoculars,
release that strap from your shoulder, your waist?

Unbutton the green tunic, ease out the knots 
at your throat, in your hair. 
 Kick off your leather boots. 

And most of all, drop the pace stick
that meticulously measures your every step.

I don’t wish to be disrespectful, 
but there are times
you should be relieved 
of the privates in your care. 

And it would please me so much
to see you undress, to see the girlish
soft texture of your unbound flesh, 
to see you sigh with delight 
in such naked redress.