To a Tee

Open your t-shirt drawer...

I’ve had a revelation ~

an odd epiphany ~

if one would like to know about

the character that’s me

 

No, you may not read my journal ~

that I simply can’t endure;

if you want to know me better,

check out my t-shirt drawer

 

Some will tell you where I’ve been,

like Portland and Cape May;

Washington, DC

and the San Francisco Bay

 

My “Once a Bambie” t-shirt

recalls my high school days,

and two tout my affinity

for the Big Bang Theory craze

 

I have a few that testify

to vegetarian style

and some emblazoned “Phillies” ~

around here, these get a smile

 

Several from the Christmas show

in New York every year

And many bear ironic notes ~

this is my common gear

 

Our garments get so little thought,

yet say so much ~ who knew?

you might be surprised to know

what your shirts reveal of you.

Author's Note

I let my mind wander while folding laundry...

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. A fantastical write that goes deeper than the obvious for you are telling us that some garments ( Tees or T shirts ) show our likes and dislikes and define some aspect or our loyalties whether in the field of sports or religion or even politics. You are a social genius if I may call you that for most of your poems touch on social issues and behaviours of humans in their enviroment of life...Excellent...:)

[Rita L. Sev]

Wow! Thank you, Sami, for this kind review! I look around me, and that's where I find a poem. That's the best way I can explain it.

[Sami Khalil]

You are right . Inspiration is all aound...You are welcome...:)

[Will]

I just looked through my t-shirt drawer, and you're 100% right. There are some very good looks into who I am as a person. A very interesting realization, Rita! As for the poem, I love it. Great rhyme scheme, and you run the gambit of different shirts to be worn. I might not like that Phillies part (Mets all the way! lol), it's a great poem. And I definitely want that "Poe It" shirt! Nicely done!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Will! We think we are such mysteries - then realize that we say so much with what we are wearing! Check out the shirt here: http://www.cafepress.com/mf/19390754/poeitjpg_tank-top

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

First off I want that Poe It shirt.
Secondly people could get a great sense of my tastes by reading my shirts... coarse I have many layers so they need to see me everyday to know me fully.
Thirdly this was fun and creative.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Dale! Just a weird wandering of the mind - you're right, people would have to see each day's shirt to get the full picture.
I have that Poe It shirt in white. You can get one here: http://www.cafepress.com/mf/19390754/poeitjpg_tank-top

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Oh yeah I have bought from them before.

[Marie]

My shirts are characterless.

[Rita L. Sev]

You bring enough character yourself, Marie - I need all the help I can get! Thanks for reading!

[Jack...]

Rita, I have more Phillies t-shirts than I can count and I still want more. Top drawer Phillies, second drawer Eagles. Once again your poem is fun to read and a nice detour from the work day.

[Rita L. Sev]

I have a bunch of Phillies, but few Eagles - I have to go shopping... :) Thanks, Jack - glad to provide a diversion!

[quinfinn]

i have so many t shirts it is ridiculous...i love yours on display here, being an avid Poe fan. this is a terrific idea for a poem and a very much enjoyed one, at that. nicely done!

[Rita L. Sev]

Yes, that is my favorite Poe shirt (have a few Poe-themed ones...) Poems follow me into the oddest places... Thanks, Quin!

[ShelleyA]

A very good write. I collect t-shirts too, and they tell quite a bit about a person, just as your poem notes. Flow is good as is the line to line transition and breaks. Nice rhythm. Good rhyming. Good depth of feeling. I can relate. A fun read. Thanks for sharing. Write on!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Shelley!

[ShelleyA]

You're welcome and my pleasure. Have a good day.

[rhythm&blues]

I like this one, I have one from my ex that reads 'Back to the kitchen', I should throw that one out, I also have vegan t-shirts, I guess you are correct.

[Rita L. Sev]

Makes me look at the shirts of my neighbors and wonder about them... :) Thanks, R&B!

[Dr. Wood ?]

great wander.....My T shirts unfortunately tell little about me...Maybe I am boring...I was given one for Dads day....and I still wear my Beatle one.....The REM and Smiths ones are long gone now.....Huh...MUSIC...That's ME

Great little ditty though, I was doing a live reading thisd afternoon and they asked me where my inspiration comes from..Well YOU have just answered that question in SPADES..It comes from EVERYWHERE

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! Yes, I no longer have many concert tees - that was the me of my youth, I suppose. I am always telling my students that - inspiration is everywhere. One year, I challenged a student to write a poem about *that* floor tile. He did an outstanding job - wish I had kept a copy! Thanks, Doc!

[Angel]

My oldest, most faded, battered T shirt has a picture of Jesus on it with the words "One Man Can Make a Difference...Jesus Did". And the one I have on now says "Lifeguard...Mine Walks On Water". Then I have one that says "Property of Jesus Christ", and one that says "Grandmother...So Easy To Operate Even A Chid Can Do It". And of course, one that says "I brake for Angels". Then there is my "Eagles" T shirt...regulation for the gramma of two cheerleaders...
LOL, I never thought of it before, but you are right...you can tell a lot about someone by reading their T shirts. My son has one that says "Sarcasm...Just Another Service We Offer"...
Brilliant bit of whimsy, my dear friend. Very well done indeed!

[Rita L. Sev]

I like your collection, too! "Lifeguard - Mine Walks on Water"! Love it! My mother has one that says "Grandmas are antique little girls". And I gotta love that you have an Eagles shirt! :) My personal favorite at the moment is that one in the pic - I wear my "Poe It" tee a lot! Thanks for playing with this one, Angel!

[Angel]

LOL, sweet! Grandmas are indeed, antique little girls...you must handle us with care, cuz we break easily!