(definition: a humiliating or scornful insult)
Say it with me: Con-TU-me-ly.
Such a beautiful word,
it should mean something aesthetically elegant —
maybe a mahogany rocker with carved swan arms
and pale yellow brocade.
Or maybe it’s an adverb with its trailing -ly
for how gently someone can behave, as in:
Contumely, roses in hand, he approached her.
She will now curtsy and accept the roses
which are yellow with pink edges.
Or else a contumely is a small silk case
for carrying a handkerchief. The case
buttons with a Chinese knot.
A caring mother would never go anywhere
without her contumely.
When the child weeps, the mother
unbuttons her contumely
and extracts a monogramed handkerchief
to dab at his tears.
The child will know he is cherished.
