"joy as an act of resistance"

Afraid not

Sinking into satisfaction with the softness of crushed velvet harem pants

Sorting emotions into bins labeled adult

Clothes color coordinated hanging on a stud secure pole in this here solid brownstone, my home

A closet professionally built by a tenured carpenter stretches across the 10 foot wall

Where silk textures, flower prints and geometric patterns fall effortlessly in the most glorified fashion

Ready to be worn

I am beginning to see the thread of emotional patterns hang next to my sweaters

There’s nothing left to hide

Insides are visible

A wooly defense

A juniper jacket

And when it’s time to separate

The long white drapped curtain is drawn

This is my

Coming out

This is my

Going in

And just at the moment

Of trying it on

Is the most joyous thing

Title inspired by Poet Toi Derricotte and Austin Channing Brown

Photo: Self Portrait entitled “Pants”, 2022