by Nicole Koch

I want a red dress
Hanging like
Diamonds and
Confidence,
Lit like the
Tip of an all white
Cigarette by the
Front doors of
Catholic school.
I want it to say
Years between us
Don’t make me younger,
Grey days with no end
Make my red dress
Zip like fire works on
The fourth of July,
The seams weave like
Connected time lines and
Make my body a
Rolling hillside.
A thrift store treasure
Many have worn before,
Hoping my red dress
Could make it all go away,
Before tossed away
For newer days.