A Vendue Names Auction? Poem by B. V. Dahlen

Vendue

Spinning skirts like pedaled flowers framing
Circle while the candles glow and gutter
Uniforms and epaulets exclaiming
Dipping fans that hesitate and flutter

Calliope of sound that deftly grows
Among the matrons, in deft rising tones
That ring the dancing couples in the throes
Of coquetry. These stalwart chaperones

Defend the honor of their maid's repute
Exhibiting their manners and good breeding
Like livestock waiting in an auction chute
For bidders vetted before proceeding

By weighing linage and dower portions
The contenders seek their future fortunes