he stands there as if
the most popular boy in pre-K
the other kids clustered around
exclaiming at his new clothes
exclaiming at his new clothes
that's my old T-shirt said one
my old rain boots said another
those pants will make you itch
ask me how I know, said the wag
he stands there dull
the shape of shame in his mouth
pushing up the smile that wants
to droop, thinking up a comeback
in years to come he'll be bemused
that his kids aim to shop vintage
and give clothes away seasonally
that his wife wants to thrift... and
he stands there, still
when she invites him to come
lifted like a ship in a calm harbor
surprised he finds welcome in this
_________________
Pic: A magnolia tree in full bloom. (On a walk with L.)
7 comments:
Nice.
‘The shape of shame in his mouth’ - that is my favorite line! I like that, for the most part, thrifting and hand me downs are more mainstream these days (or so it seems to me). Probably 80% of my kids’ clothes are hand me downs from other families!
Wow, Maya. Just wow.
Very nice
I love the hope at the end, after being humiliated when he was little.
Thanks so much, friends!! XX
ooooooof
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