A pastiche inspired by Sylvia Plath’s Cut

What a thrill --- 

Lobster pink instead of bronzed tan.

Skin quite stiff

Except for a milky

Frothy white,

Protected by scraps of cloth,

“Beach wear.”

Crusty epidermis.

The Pink Barbie

Can’t stand the sand.

Greasy oils,

Bright

Sun, the perfect

Formula --- bubbling

Skin, hot

to touch

The silky coast.

The stiffened 

crust ---

Not so much.

Aspirations turn to 

Exasperations,

The laughingstock of

The Seaside.