Valentine’s Day Feb. 14, 2016
My mind is trying to find an in on “dependable sweater”
Maybe she means one that doesn’t disappear for days
and not even apologize
One that never unravels when your parents are visiting
Too late now (RIP Mother and Daddy)
Maybe this sweater shows up at 8 when she says 8
and keeps you just as warm as the label indicates
Maybe she trims off a little fat with those
well-placed pockets and she never sags
Bring a sweater that stays quiet, doesn’t nag
or want to go when laying back is a better choice
but still sensible, demands dependably a walk even when
the temp drops and you’re still looking for wool socks.
She will hold her buttons faithfully.
The dependable sweater never confuses size
with purpose or style.
You can tie her arms around you and she won’t fall
or drag.
Yes, really. I already knowwhich sweater gets to go to West Concord
for the kids and g-kids
& the Arctic freeze, where frostbite threatens like horrid
parents of yore, to kill fingers or cut off toes.
I know it’s the thick pea green with the big fifties’
buttons that stay closed until you undo them with
intention. She’s a good sweater, that one, quite dependable,
like a good man, like my Valentine, he’s going with me too.