When A Limerick Won’t Do
A Geezer’s Notebook, By Jim Foster
Way back on the 5th of July, Rosie DiManno of the Toronto Star wrote a column about nipples (perhaps you have heard of them) and how they are starting to appear a little more often in haute couture fashion. Apparently this latest trend hasn’t made it to Orillia, at least I have yet to see any in Zehrs or Home Hardware and if they are anywhere in the Sunshine City that is where they will be.
But in her article she mentioned Gwen Jacobs and her battle with the citizens of Guelph when she strolled topless in that fair city one scorching hot summer’s day in 1991. She was charged with committing an indecent act and fined $75. It eventually ended up before the Ontario Court of Appeal where it was tossed out ruling there was nothing degrading or dehumanizing about what she did.
Rosie went on discussing the latest trend in brassieres which was of no particular interest to me since I rarely wear one.
Shortly after the Guelph incident though I took quill in hand and wrote a sensitive poem in praise of her triumph over the prudes in our society.
Tempest in a C-Cup
(I’m guessing at the cup size since I don’t even know the girl)
There are stories told, of knights of old, whose deeds were then recorded
Their maidens fair, with golden hair, made sure they were rewarded.
And minstrels sang, till rafters rang, of Robin and his men
Who robbed the rich to feed the poor then robbed the rich again
Well it made no sense to rob the poor, cuz they had bugger all
They had you see, no UIC, or peters to pay to Paul
Times were tough, and taxes rough, least for the ones Rob saw
Today however, the challenge is whether, a girl must wear a bra
Between you and me, we will never be free, till women can wander the cities
With no T-shirt or vest, to cover their chest, and nothing at all on her pretties.
(I had trouble with that one)
Gwen Jacobs agreed, and answered the need, for a lady to bare her bazoom
In the park for a lark, and long before dark, instead of just in her room
She of course was arrested, for going bare-chested, and her sin discussed far and wide
Across the dominion, all had an opinion, with everyone taking a side
The prigs of the nation, feared udder damnation, while others applauded her quest
And supported her fight, to bare left and right, and get something off of her chest
Well then came the fuzz, as it usually does, and threw brave Gwen into jail
I’d be willing to bet, that she’d be in there yet, with naught but a cot and a pail
Had the saucy young pup, had not covered them up, and ruined the show for the cops
She eventually won, and son of a gun, it’s OK to go without tops
But I’m sorry to say, that I look every day, and nary a one is in sight
One would think that the dolls, if they had any gall, would be carrying on with her fight
So what is the gain, for all of Gwen’s pain, of baring it all for the cause
When their breasts should be free, for you and for me, the damn things are covered in gauze.
Gwen’s battle with the authorities happened 34 years ago and even though she won a great victory for womankind and the cosmetic companies have made great progress in UV protection creams and sprays, it has come to naught. Perhaps now that Gwen is 53 years old she may feel it is time for others to challenge the outdated dictates of our society. Yes, ladies, you can, and should, march topless along the highways and byways of the towns and cities of Ontario. There are still many more weeks before the icy winds of winter will force you to cover them up.
We men will stand behind you, or even in front of you walking backwards if you would prefer. Just remember we are here for you. You are not alone.
I can almost guarantee you won’t be after you start the march.
(Image Supplied)
