Sense Sonnet - Tickler

Judging Kagan

Female public officials are,
Unlike their male counterparts, judged
As to their fashion repertoire.
Petty remarks are not begrudged.
Supreme Court nominees are not
Immune to this gendered pastime.
Attacks with malice aforethought
Charge Elena Kagan with crime
In choosing comfort in clothes worn,
And not crossing her legs ladylike.
Is all this ridicule and scorn
Just more leaks to weaken the dike?

Fashion detectives cannot probe
What goes on beneath the black robe.