I have sewn a suit of pretty clothes
handsome, intelligent, and fine,if I do say so myselfOnly the most exquisite materials, every stitch charged with love
And I kept this suit carefully pressed, never soiled or wrinkled
always waitingI had occasion to take it out and hold it up
to the light of those presenting themselves to mesometimes I thought I had found a fit, only to discoverthat the sleeves were too short,or the prospective wearer's chest too broad.
And so again the cherished garments were packed away
but again, always waitingI didn't mind so much cultivating my patience,
wanting to break out my own ball gownsmy colorful silks which so excellently match this escort's suitThe perfect pairing was not yet to be.
But perhaps these elegant dresses do not store and sit so well
always crying out to be wornto be taken dancingThough I cannot bear to act the radiant bride without her well-mated groom.
Then came the day when you first appeared, and could it have been?
Once again came the treasured suit from storage and secrecy
my beautiful raiment of dark, manly colorsAnd I saw through my long hopeful eyes, sparkling with tears,
that here was the manfor whom the suit was made.
So I dressed you up in my magical design, going so far
as to stick a plume in your hatfor yours was no ordinary dignity
And I donned my beautiful ball gowns, dancing merrily across the room
in my own dream-wrought imageryIt was truly an enchanting time, was it not, my love?
The touch of your fingers against mine thrilled me endlessly
your whispering voice in my earbreathing fire from a near-dead ember amongst ashesAnd my hope gave way to knowing, and my faith
grew into anticipationas I waited for you to come to meto claim your rightful place at my sideto slip your hands inside the glovesI had so lovingly made for youBut then as you drew closer to me, and as your sparkle
was not so bright, and as the glitter fell from my eyesI regarded you, dressed in my perfectly crafted suit of clothesAnd it wasn't you at all.
-- jsw
8 January 1995