Ona Gritz
All in Black on the Streets of New York

Graphic: "Gina's New Boots" ~ Charles Thomson

It camouflages fat. That and timidity.
Also subway grime, fear and the pastel optimism
you wore in high school. It's cover for the thick

books you've yet to read, the opaque philosophies
you only grasp in bits. It's an answer to the push pull
question, set yourself apart or blend. It belies

the open sky you miss, birdsong, your mom's roast
in thick brown gravy while you nibble virtuous
brown rice meals. It's for the guys, clad like you,

dark side out, who touch then leave your heart exposed.
It signifies insomnia, matches your coffee, says
this place that's braced for loss is now your home.

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