Second-Hand Clothes
An Ode to Forgiveness
Worn, and stitched to keep spare change in place. These are the remnants of another’s spirit– one’s story, yours. Where life existed, becomes memories exhausted, enough to let go. I receive them gladly because I know they are all you can give at this moment in time.
And still, I receive them gladly because they are all that is left. You say “Pour from the overflow, not from what is left over.” But I see now that this is your outpour, so I receive them gladly.
Whether worn-out shoes or jackets of pleather. Know that I receive your offerings as long as we can go on happily together.
These pieces of fabric are where I contain my lead, drawing stories that resound the fact that we are all hanging on by a thread.
- H. J. Levon
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1:49am
4/16/25 1:49am I want to breathe death in my larynx and feel loose change in the torn and raggedy pockets of my mother’s cardigan. The water is next to the bed. It’s not cold and never will be. So I guess what’s left is us; we will walk with crooked feet on a path carved by ancient societies. You will borrow my shoes. I will taste vengeance in my tea and convince myself it’s good for my liver. Coffee is fine too. Yes, that’s all. I will think about how I want to kiss you and, the clouds, they will rise to space, and leaves, they will glue their limbs back together. The sun has been out for weeks. This screw isn’t any looser than when I bought it. But I will wake up and I will be in the ship that splits in two and slide my sullen palms across its tundric pillow. I never took swimming lessons so whatever happens is meant to be. I’m sorry if that upsets you. I’m sorry I said that. Anyway, I want to lie nude in wildflowers with ants who build colonies and worms who can’t see. You have a problem with textures. You can’t help it. I could try to tell you things, like how I want my children to understand how little everything is and to not be afraid of the giant fingers that grab at sewing needles in their dreams. I could say it always scared me. It’s just not right. But listen, back to it: I want to indulge in passion and binge affection. Is it a sin if it helps? I will endure the things I am given and inculcate everyone around me to do the same. Do five laps around the block before you respond, whatever helps. I will tell you I want harmony to be palpable and wheels of recognition to be locked in an imperishable gear. Refill the pot if it’s empty. What I want has nothing to do with me. Diagonal tile is cold, you know, and my hair gets crunchy after too long out there. I want this lesson to end.
By Olivia Dodgeabout 16 hours ago in Poets
Comments (1)
I love the depth of this piece! The imagery of second-hand clothes as symbols of memory and emotion is so powerful. It's like you're honoring the past while embracing the present, with a beautiful sense of gratitude. That line about hanging on by a thread is a perfect, poignant ending!