October 27, 2024 • Pennsylvania United States

Gold accents line the halls

Champagne glasses mold onto hands

A buzz lingers in the air

A silent prayer hangs on everybody’s lips

There is no room for mistakes

No room for error

There is barely any room to speak

Divine silverware line the tables

As tart pastries cling onto plates

Glistening spoons and spotless goblets

Taunt those who dare to test their manners

There is no room for smears

No room for splatters

There is barely any room to eat

Pristine soldiers line the corridor

Poker faces paint their uniform expressions

Blinding lights and velvet carpets

Lead up to the throne that stares at the audience 

There is no room for mis-steps

No room for stumbles

There is barely any room to walk

Ironed dresses line the closets

Lead make-up clutters the vanities

Complete with torturous heels, stiff corsets

And hair pins that seep into the skull

There is no room for wrinkles

No room for blemishes 

There is barely any room to breathe