Something for the weekend, sir?

"Something for the weekend, sir?"

 

A euphemism often associated with barbershops of the mid to late 20th century, although its actual origins are unknown. It is believed that barbers used it to offer condoms to customers following their appointment.  Ironic that those same customers, having just paid for the privilege of a close shave, were then offered the means to avoid another one!

These days, there is little need for such euphemisms. Condoms are readily available from a multitude of sources; from Family Planning Clinics and pharmacies to public conveniences (both sexes) and the local supermarket, and their use is openly discussed.

We're all supposed to be enlightened to the issues surrounding unprotected sex. Abstinence aside, condoms are supposed to be the first line of defence against sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) and unplanned pregnancies.

So why, with their 98% efficacy, are we still seeing an increase in said STD's and unplanned pregnancies? Could the answer be something as simple as 'The human factor'?

This was the question that prompted the following poem. 

Waiting Game (A Nonet)

Before the moment of conception

natural pheromones attack

biological warfare

chemical attraction

Inhibitions lost

precautions stay

un-opened.

Waiting

game.

A Nonet is a form of poetry that adheres to certain rules. It has nine lines and each line has a decreasing syllable count. The first line has nine syllables; the second has eight and so on until the ninth line, which has just one syllable. Although rhyming is optional, most are unrhymed.

This was my first attempt at a 'Nonet'.