William Adolphe Bouguereau, The Nymphaeum

This was a scene I had to investigate. So many beauties! I was sure I’d fit right in. I couldn’t wait to become part of the celebration.

Upon my arrival, however, I discovered I didn’t fit in at all. The balance was off somehow. One or two of the nymphs appeared to be eyeing me with suspicion, perhaps even disdain. And then I noticed the two men at the border of the forest. Interlopers. Maybe it was they who were causing the disruption. “You!” I squawked, after staring at them for a long moment. Startled, they hastened away. And now I wondered if I’d done a good deed, redeeming my unwelcome appearance, or, more likely, if I’d ruined things. The latter, I decided. If I left, maybe the guys would return. I hesitated. I so wanted to be accepted. But my aura was off. And so, sadly, and as unobtrusively as possible, I slipped away.

Poetical Commentary by Ashley

Portal sixteen led to a Nymph orgy
Where Emma was aghast to see
Two Peeping Toms, unbidden,
At the forest’s edge hidden.
Emma shouted at them, making them flee.

However, upon further reflection,
She mused about a symbiotic connection
Between voyeurism
And exhibitionism.
Or did her thoughts come from self-projection?