Red Polyester Dirt

A Poem by Siobhan Welch

I needed a red teddy,

with garters.

Valentines' Day was

fast approaching.

He was out of work

so money was tight.

But I was determined

and resourceful.

I found one at the

Goodwill store, and

it was really quite nice

but no garters.

They were mandatory

or else, no need to bother.

That's just how it was.

I found red lace elastic

at the fabric store -

It was meant as

seam binding or

perhaps something to

do with hems.

I took needle and thread.

My girlfriend showed up

from out of town -

back when I still had friends.

She brought a bottle of

Amaretto di Sarrono.

I had orange juice.

And cigarettes and ice.

He came home and I knew

the wind had changed.

I can't say how I knew

But it made my hair

stand on end, my arms,

freckled slabs of flesh,

Shouted loud, clear.

My girlfriend left, as

was no surprise.

Her deep olive skin

Must have felt it, too.

And my mind was ajar

Just enough

To ask the question -

Why?

Once, twice, I don't remember

but the truth came out all the same.

Of course he had slept with her!

And who was I to speak a word!

My defects were solely to blame!

Me, my heart and soul

My being to the core

Was purely and simply

A lousy f**k.

That's what he said.

That's what he meant.

When the house was quiet

I took scissors to fabric

And cut that teddy -

plus it's pitiful garters -

into chunky squares.

Then cut those in half

And then half again

Until nothing was left

but red polyester dirt.

I took a cooking pot -

the one I had used

to sterilize bottles.

Into the sink went the

red dirt and pot

and I gave them a

generous drink of wine

and lit a match.

In less than a minute

all was gone.

The pot was empty.

I went on -

occupying space

on this sphere, spinning.

But it had been said,

Clearly spoken and heard

And now, without question,

There was no debate.

I knew.

© 2019 Siobhan Welch

My Review

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Reviews

Oydrin

I like the manner of implying in some parts and the build-up to the "they slept together" part. Though I must say I'm a little confused with the story/poem. I'll take time to read it again.

Meanwhile, having read your reply to a previous review, does this mean there are 4 characters involved? You, your girlfriend, the guy "him" and another woman? Thanks.