Writing

Poem to my red dress

Posted by lenleatherwood on

An homage to Lucille Clifton’s yellow coat.

today, I grieve my long red dress.
my chili pepper.
my red sister.
my cardinal with long sleeves.
my peel.

Today she ripped 
like a cicada shell,
unforgiving of my hips
for getting bigger
for being worn out
for trying on other
v-necks and flowing skirts.
She split like a melon and
tore right open.
my critical companion to the last;
damn that mini-dress you crave
she snapped.
be grateful when you're going out dancing
for the maxi you have.

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Published by lenleatherwood

I am a native Texan who has lived for the past 30 years in Southern California. I am a published author of both short memoir and fiction, a two-time Pushcart nominee, a nationally award-winning writing coach, an editor, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. In addition, I am the mother of three grown daughters of whom I am extremely proud, a grandmother of four darling children and the wife of a man I still love after 44 years.

One Comment Add yours

  1. Eileen Harrison Sanchez's avatar Eileen Harrison Sanchez says:
    August 4, 2024 at 4:56 am

    love it- “my cardinal with long sleeves” an accessible poem and inspiration to write my own red dress poem. ❤️

    Reply

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