Dress Clothes Cycle

I washed and ironed

the same clothes I wore two

days ago to honor a man

who was about to be buried

Two years ago I wore

these clothes to celebrate

a silver anniversary

with the woman I married

One year ago I dawned

the same yellow shirt and olive slacks

to watch my daughter

become a high school graduate

One day from now

I’ll wear the shirt and pants

going to church to pray

for patience and knowledge

Three years from now

(if I at least find patience) I shall wear these clothes

attending my son’s graduation from high school

my daughter from college

Three hours ago I wore those dress clothes

to a meeting whose purpose I don’t recall

like the unknown day I wear clothes

washed and ironed by someone else

And when you dress the body

the one I live in now

flesh and bones someday about to be buried

do not pick a tie for my yellow shirt.

Gregory Zeorlin  5/15/2008  11:50pm