Monday, April 25, 2016
"Ghosts and Fashion" by Elaine Equi
In honor of National Poetry Month, I have presented special works by selected poets each Monday in April (previously here, here, and here). Our final poem this month is the delightful but thought-and-emotion-provoking "Ghosts and Fashion" by Elaine Equi.
Ghosts and Fashion
by Elaine Equi
Although it no longer has a body
to cover out of a sense of decorum,
the ghost must still consider fashion—
must clothe its invisibility in something
if it is to “appear” in public.
Some traditional specters favor
the simple shroud—
a toga of ectoplasm
worn Isadora-Duncan-style
swirling around them.
While others opt for lightweight versions
of once familiar tee shirts and jeans.
Perhaps being thought-forms,
they can change their outfits instantly—
or if they were loved ones,
it is we who clothe them
like dolls from memory.
Ghosts and Fashion
by Elaine Equi
Although it no longer has a body
to cover out of a sense of decorum,
the ghost must still consider fashion—
must clothe its invisibility in something
if it is to “appear” in public.
Some traditional specters favor
the simple shroud—
a toga of ectoplasm
worn Isadora-Duncan-style
swirling around them.
While others opt for lightweight versions
of once familiar tee shirts and jeans.
Perhaps being thought-forms,
they can change their outfits instantly—
or if they were loved ones,
it is we who clothe them
like dolls from memory.
Labels:
Elaine Equi,
Ghosts and Fashion,
National Poetry Month,
poem,
poet,
poetry
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