Poem: "what she was wearing," by Denver Butson, from illegible address. © Luquer Street Press.


what she was wearing

this is my suicide dress
she told him
I only wear it on days
when I'm afraid
I might kill myself
if I don't wear it

you've been wearing it
every day since we met
he said

and these are my arson gloves

so you don't set fire to something?
he asked

exactly

my assault and battery eyeliner

and this is my terrorism lipstick

my armed robbery boots

I'd like to undress you he said
but would that make me an accomplice?

and today
she said
I'm wearing my infidelity underwear
so don't get any ideas

and she put on her nervous breakdown hat
and walked out the door