Helen Nicholson
Scarves
For going out, a nice scarf does the trick.
You know the sort of thing, often a gift:
a good weave, abstract, not too flashy -
a scarf that fits in, cheers a neutral suit,
brings out what's left of warm skin tones.
You pass muster without too much attention.
For staying in, I lock the door. The key
to the drawer is tucked under the stairtread.
I tiptoe, catch my breath. Click. Slide my hand
among chiffon, chenille, crêpe de Chine;
relax - at last - into my breath.
My best scarves are not for your eyes.
A fabulous silk unfolds its smooth
narrative, one slight abrasive
slub the twist in its tale. A murmured
conversation with bruised velvet teaches me
the curve of my collar bone. Texture is text.
A feather boa rims the graduation robes
I have spun from air. I strut a little
but, tamed by cashmere, turn my back
on vanity. I do not need empty eyes
feeding on me. It is dark. I learn by feel:
I trail on my hand, my neck, my lip, my lobe
the quiet insistent braille of devoré.
Page(s) 46
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