Naked

Forget your feet on a park bench because its hot

today, and you can’t keep them on.

Gently pull from your hips but be careful

not to rip. Fold each leg in thirds

and iron out the creases as you go.

Unravel your soft belly

until only the button is left. Unbutton it

and watch your chest slip from its hanger.

Let your sister borrow your back

for the weekend. Cross your arms and wiggle

each down, but be careful your fingers don’t

roll under the armoire.

Cast off your weightless shoulders

and undo your ears.

Unzip your mouth, untie your forehead,

and unhook your smile, hang them next to your hair.

Leave yourself hollow and shapeless and

swinging in the schoolyard.

 

 

Michelle DeLong

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