What She Was Wearing by Denver Butson

What She Was Wearing

by Denver Butson

published in his 2004 book, illegible address (Luquer Street Press)

this is my suicide dress

she told him

I only wear it on days

when I'm afraid

I might kill myself

if I don't wear it

you've been wearing it

every day since we met

he said

and these are my arson gloves

so you don't set fire to something?

he asked

exactly

and this is my terrorism lipstick

my assault and battery eyeliner

my armed robbery boots

I'd like to undress you he said

but would that make me an accomplice?

and today she said I'm wearing

my infidelity underwear

so don't get any ideas

and she put on her nervous breakdown hat

and walked out the door