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Mrs Bertram bought a burqa
(Googled Muslim, Veil and Buy),
Slipped it on one morning, thinking
“Au revoir” to being shy.

Mrs Bertram talked to strangers,
Chatted up a nice young man,
Learnt to tango at a tea dance,
Bought rounds at the ice-cream van.

Mrs Bertram made a sculpture
Of a dolphin in the sand,
Skimmed some stones and paddled briefly,
Soloed with the town’s brass band.

Mrs Bertram made the supper
With a Mona-Lisa smile.
Being bold while incognita
Made her happy, for a while.