Graffiti Poem

I bought The Best American Poetry 2006 edited by Billy Collins. One of them was written by Denise Duhamel, wife of Fil-Am poet Nick Carbo. Naturally, the poem had its germ in the Philippines. Literally.

"PLEASE DON'T SIT LIKE A FROG, SIT LIKE A QUEEN"

- graffiti inside the cubicle of a ladies' bathroom in a university in
the Philippines

Remember to pamper, remember to preen.
The world doesn't reward a pimply girl.
Don't sit like a frog, sit like a queen.

Buy a shampoo that makes your locks sheen.
If your hair is straight, get it curled.
Remember to pamper, remember to preen.

Keep your breath minty and your teeth white and clean.
Paint your nails so they glisten, ten pearls.
Don't sit like a frog, sit like a queen.

Smile, especially when you're feeling mean.
Keep your top down when you keep your car on a whirl.
Remember to pamper, remember to preen.

Don't give in to cravings, you need to stay lean
So you can lift up your skirt as you prance and twirl.
Don't sit like a frog, sit like a queen.

Don't marry the professor, marry the dean.
Marry the king, don't marry the earl.
Remember to pamper, remember to preen.
Don't sit like a frog, sit like a queen.