Plumage

Peacocks always strut about
In all their cobalt splendor;
While peahens, on the other hand,
Get ripped off for their gender.

Many birds do follow suit –
The males get all the frills;
While females’ feathers, drab and brown,
Don’t offer many thrills.
  

As humans go, the opposite
Is usually the case;
For sparkling jewels and colors bright
The female does embrace.

Except in New York City, where
We’ve set the species back,
Since most stylish New York women
Like to keep their plumage black!

(This poem appeared in Metropolitan Diary
of The New York Times on November 21, 2011)