The Mall at Millenia

THE MALL AT MILLENIA

How many goodly creatures are there here! / How beauteous mankind is!
O brave new world, That has such people in't!
--Miranda, The Tempest, Act V, Scene I, Shakespeare

Anticipation builds as I traverse
The vast, expensive, sunlit corridors
Observing, analyzing these diverse,
Discerning residents and visitors.
The fashion models glide along the raised
Runway show casing jewels from Tiffany's,
Footwear from Jimmy Choo, and clothes appraised
As Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Macy's.
A scene of wispy, flowing, perfect forms
Crowned by aloof expressions to dismiss
All contact with humanity; and swarms
Of spirits singing, “You were meant for this.”
I raise my cup of Barnie's tea to all,
“A grateful toast to you, O brave, new mall.”

HALSTON 53 SHALL I COMPARE THEE

So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this and this gives life to thee.
--Sonnet XVIII, William Shakespeare

To Venus found at Milo nine score years
Ago by Dumont? Thou art softer, warmer
By Far. You try to hide revealing tears
That show your mind is softer, warmer.
To Venus Anadyomene by
J. A. D. Ingres? Thou art covered with
Expensive fabric to foil those who try
To prove that you are certainly a myth.
To Mona Lisa by da Vinci? Thou
Art similar with your facial expression
Expertly worn, proving that you know how
To make that timeless, suave, reserved impression.
And thou hast something added to mortality
Through poetry, which they have--immortality.

HALSTON 53

FRED SATHAL 35/29*


The gray dress is reserved. The lines are flowing
Up toward the collar very vertically.
Each model had the straight pure white line glowing
Under each lovely eye horizontally.
The featureless flat frontal view, the patch
Pockets and shoulder pads, the sleeves and doleful
Expressionless lips and tanned face attach
Strength to the eyes, the gateway to the soul.
The black material completely hides
All femininity and graceful lines.
The lovely fashion model slowly glides
Across the runway, home of chic designs.
The soft light fades and slowly fades again,
But Fred's two strokes of genius still remain.

Fred Sathal 35
Fred Sathal 29

JOAN VASS 75*

Forever shalt thou love, and she be fair!
-- Ode on a Grecian Urn, John Keats

The chic expression on her face conceals
The preparation, work and work, and pain
And panic, work and work, the skimpy meals,
The special training -- life in the fast lane.
The special fabric slides across her legs
As she slinks down the runway past the crowd.
Her New York fashion model movement begs
Stares from the awed admirers. She is proud.
She looks upon Joan V as she makes the
Entrance. The chic runway expression morphs
Into a genuine broad smile of glee.
All Past performances, this moment dwarfs --
The piece de resistance of Motivation,
The ancient creator and the chic creation.

Joan Vass 36
Joan Vass 46
Joan Vass 75