Alterations

Year after year, she has been shedding 
layers of tulle and lace, sheathes of silk 

shantung; pumps with silver buckles, 
Audrey Hepburn collars. She is leaving 

behind that glass cabinet of special 
occasion dresses—everything she sewed 

herself or ripped herself, to come 
closer to a desired perfection. How many 

more buttons to plant along an edge, 
darts to take in ease or cinch a shape? 

One note traveled the zipper's silver 
track, another wove a linen shroud. 

Fold after fold, this life was shortening. 
Soon, only the last regalia of bone.