clothes like memory

(for my Daddy)

I was folding clothes away
listening to music
pitch and idea and rhythm and memory
flying around in my head
friendly trajectory
the clothes like memories were full
of holes and stains and things I didn’t expect
I get to the tee-shirts
do the antiquated v-necks
then I get to the other kind
the sexy ones with no sleeves
the “beaters”. start thinking
remembering when We discovered these
together
it was a small gamble Ma took at Hecht’s
she bought a couple for me,
a couple for you
I remember you at home struttin round
in your drawers with your beater hugging
your big ole belly
smiling that beautiful perfect smile
there you go, absolutely hilarious
hilarious absolutely
walkin round with your arms up
talkin bout how good the air feels on your underarms
and as weird as it is I had to agree
you right
the cool air really do feel good
up under your arms
when they moist with sweat
from living this man life
you taught me so much about
we smiled a smile together
it glowed into this moment of clarity
we both crazy men. strong, tender men
with different smells, tastes, and experiences
and yet, in a very real way
I am you
and you are me

these moments exists in my forever
moments of goodfeeling i can take out when I need
put them on and feel them like
warm cotton hug on my skin
like cool air

that’s what Dads are for, yo

i wear you everyday under my clothes