Youthful Imaginings On Alabaster Skin Poem by Mark Heathcote

Corruption isn't concealed with a lily pad or a fig leaf
-or by political or public censorship.
In erst, his canvases allure of innocents and deceit
did fix youthful imaginings on their alabaster skin.
At times I've contemplated Hylas's hunger to touch;
his a thirst to drink clear rockpool waters, quite shameless
only hankering a taste of their refreshing bath salts, sigh.
I've enjoyed viewing this oil painting on many occasions;
Hylas and the Nymphs, by John William Waterhouse 1896
visiting the Manchester Art Gallery and dwelling nearby.
And by the by, I come to buy a fine printed copy in 1986.
And ever since, it has seduced my speculative thoughts,
Shown up weaknesses in my theories and own politics
It isn't easy being virtuous and honourable…I confess when
-female water nymphs have needs…desires to procure.
It's the weakness of some men in the hooks of a wench
To-dine-in-hell. Or swim ashore and desire no more.
But who are we kidding our-thirsts are never quenched.
Beauty corrupts the purest of hearts, either to partake
-or sit on the fence and then drown in idle censorship.
Placing too much emphasis on innocence and nakedness.
Light sheds light the dark precipitates only more darkness.