Lifespan of a Scarf

7/22/24

The story begins with

Fabrics

Patterns

Shapes 

Folds

At first 

Called frivolous 

As feminine things often are

Their important 

knowledge 

overlooked 

I’ve learned 

The subtle differences 

between textures

Recognized

names by touch

Linen

Holding the resistance of chalk

Silk

Rolling out like waves

Denim 

And it’s western influence

From cowboys to Californians 

Neon 

Forever trapped in boy’s bike shorts and 1980s dance floors

Plaid 

Like Christmas stockings and Italian dress shirts

I’ve heard

The clicking of heels down an isle 

Or a school hallway

I’ve seen 

An old man’s slippers 

Worn with comfort

The camouflage prints

Of soldiers uniforms

Hung in closets

The sole purpose not for vanity

But for sacrifice

Men in Monday suits

Shuffling across 5th avenue

Checking Rolex watches

Their wives initials on their sleeves 

Over 40 shades of red 

Lipstick and hair dye

Nail polish and raincoats

Controversial whispers of leather

Seen in boots and purses

Blinded in photos

As it walks the red carpet 

Maybe for the first time

A Time Capsule 

Generational passings

“Oh that was your mother’s”

“Give this to the neighbor’s kids”

The rich affluence of gold

Reflected in

The purity of yellow

An ocean blue

A summer sky

They are not the same

Delicate 

Fingers tracing lace 

The purr of a sewing machine

Fighting sleep

Overworked and underpaid 

Smoke rising into the air

History fading with it 

French credentials 

Cursive calligraphy 

Grey like a cloudy day

Or a heart shaped locket

In the bottom of a sunken ship

A child’s dress

Floral and bright 

Running through the field 

A priest’s cloak

Black as the funeral gowns 

He stands in front of

I’ve seen 

The thirst 

If it’s for

quality

craftsmen-ship

homecoming dresses

Halloween costumes

Or simply 

new shoes

I assure you

This meaning

Though worn 

like the clothes it exists as

Should never be 

Wasted