Her Suit Resplendent

Jesse Fleming

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The cute boy 

said you have 

 

hairy arms

after his fair arms hoisted me

behind him in line

 

because he 

wanted sweets.

 

He's just   jealous, 

my mother said

 

I disbelieved her

before learning that 

nakedness invites 

 

contempt.
Sweatered neck,

Stitched to the fingers.

 

My body has loved me

In sweat and sugars.

My mind has jammed the door shut. 

I have clumsied myself down

to blade and wax. 

 

I have misshapen 

the soft clay of myself

cast it aside

 

And like the proud emperor, 

stepped   out 

in diaphanous robes.