Yellow dress

Success has stood close to you on many occasions.
You like the word.
You pull it apart,
Stretch it,
Analyze it
Even throw it off a wall and catch it square a couple of times
Just for good measure.

Imagine that, being so close to it,
So often
That it becomes a tangible thing.
Easy to imagine wearing it.

It would be a bright yellow dress,
Playing on the line in the summer breeze
Hoisted high after wash day
A signal for all your doubters to see

Only your success is never this pristine.
If they were to really see that dress
They'd see it wasn't your size,
Or the belt hid a stain,
Or the wash cycle had shrunk it to fit others expectations and those petty self fulfilling prophecies.

So tuck it away
The colour doesn't suit.
You were meant for beiges
And dungarees
And square holes to accommodate square pegs

And remember,
Never,
Ever
Dream

That yellow dress is twisted
It'll plant ambition like a seed,
While nurturing reality and despondency on a high wash.

Just accept your lot
It's easier overall
One day in the mirror,
That day you can bear to look
You'll realise the joke
But you'll be too old to complain,
Or be useful
Or be noticed.

You will have become tolerant and colour blind





Poetry by 1LFD
Read 122 times
star mini Editors' choice
Written on 2022-02-19 at 07:38

dott Save as a bookmark (requires login)
dott Write a comment (requires login)
dott Send as email (requires login)
dott Print text


Editorial Team The PoetBay support member heart!
Your poem has been chosen to be featured on the home page of PoetBay. Thank you for posting on our poetry website!
2022-02-28


one trick pony The PoetBay support member heart!
A superb metaphor, and an equally superb poem. Nothing sadder than the truth. You have a habit of telling the truth.
2022-02-19


D G Moody The PoetBay support member heart!
I can only echo Griffoner's praise; the way you make success into something tangible yet illusive, and what it tells about the recipient of the poem - well done you!
2022-02-19


Griffonner The PoetBay support member heart!
Full of valuable metaphors is this. It could even become a parable for the new age! Bravo!
2022-02-19