A Red Blouse

 On a once-a-year writing retreat,
I opened up to a young conferee
smiling my way inclusively.

What you need is a sexy red
nightgown, she said.  Nail polish.
Some pampering before bed.
Warming to her subject,  Wear
brighter colors, she purred.  You
have nice legs.  They're muscular,
I demurred.  Her reply, That's good.

So I headed for the street, saw
a vintage botique called Revival
and stepped inside to find mine.
I found a see-through red blouse
of ruffled crepe.

At the sight of those frills I felt
a thrill, saw myself cherished
again.  Sensed the grace of
our years dropping, like clothers
from lovers hungry to unite
with one another.

first published in Bellowing Ark

also published in GLORY IN THE ORDINARY Chapbook