Memory

 

A Tale of Three Dresses

 

When I was going into the seventh grade,

Sears had dresses on sale, 3 for $10.

I got a plain blue dress with buttons on the front,

purple plaid dress with a Peter Pan collar and

a knit suit—red, blue, gold, with a gold blouse.

I was acutely aware of their presence in my closet,

excited to start school wearing something new,

not hand-me-downs from my three sisters

or from second cousin so and so whom I never met.

I still avoid spending money on clothes.

But why? I think I’ll buy something new today,

maybe three somethings and hang them in my closet.