ting-tinging on metal hangers
a hodgepodge of color
like his eyes had failed
synthetic cotton polyester rayon blends
requiring no ironing, each with is own tag
He would never rip off a tag
there could be information stored there
washing and drying instructions
even if it only said DO NOT REMOVE
that would be enough
There's Polynesia and Hawaii
Christmas on Easter Island
Easter on Christmas Island
shirts that would make any Cambodian pimp stand tall
Here's what he'd wear to mow the lawn on the riding mower
or drive the car to the mechanic
or to a party
still with his smell
he hadn't much of one
but what he had
lingers
I select something not-too-bright with all its buttons
a coy material blend only a textile whore could identify
rip off the DO NOT REMOVE tag
I imagine he bought it in another country
perhaps with another woman in mind
something I don't recall ever seeing him wear
I put it on
discover a pen in the pocket
it still writes
— Larry Crist