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This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “And I Disappear” Down in the Dirt, v192 (the 2/22 Issue) Order the paperback book:

Order this writing that appears in the one-of-a-kind anthology The Ice that Was the Down in the Dirt Jan.-April 2022 issues collection book		get the 420 page Jan.-April 2022 Down in the Dirt 6" x 9" ISBN# perfect-bound paperback book:

Fantastique

Dee Allen

FANTASTIQUE
Photo Album No. 6
Featuring BETTY PAGE
Image produced by the Klaws

Against red-tinted
Bedroom backdrop, two-toned
Big boot dominatrix
Only for pictures

Invited viewers to come to her—
Seductively shot
Magazine cover
Date unknown

Drew me to it one day—
Seductive shot reprinted
On a medium black t-shirt
Hung on a gift shop rack

The moment we met in 1998,
The sight of you was enough to
Start a love affair—
No, a harmless crush—

Miss Bettie,
Welcome visitor to my nightly dreams,

Mainstream America’s
Interest in you
Began during my toughest
Unemployment streak: 1992.

I slept through most of it
Like Rip Van Winkle.
Woke up for your revival,
Arrived late to the party.


Miss Bettie,
Camera-ready gorgeous lady,

How did you manage with
A good little choirgirl and
A wicked femme fatale
Living within you?

Both roles worked
To your advantage.
The keys to men’s hearts
Were held jangling in your hand—

Miss Bettie,
Your copycats came and went,

But I knew
Who the real deal was—
FANTASTIQUE
French word that best describes you—

Light-hearted you
Inventive you
Sensuous you
Forward-thinking you

FANTASTIQUE
Fits you good and snug
As a pair of black
Leather opera gloves.

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