Dear Fashion
I tried you on for size
Sampled your maxi and your mini
Your hot pink and little black
The poodle skirts and polka dots
The high neck ruffles and too low riders
The cool chic and the leg warmers
Your combat boots and your fuck me shoes
Shoulder pads to rival any linebacker
I’ve flapped the fringe and checked the flannels
And don’t forget to gag me in gingham
Been taped, tailored, and safety pinned
Was I the peasant blouse or the princess pleat
Oh, tie-dye me a river
I torched my bra a long time ago
Dumped my power suit at Goodwill
Donated all my pantyhose to the cat
Find me now on a meadow runway
Decked in daisies
Bare feet vogueing the sweet grass
27 thoughts on "Dear Fashion"
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I love this. The flow is perfect as it moves through the various fashion stages. So many lines are perfect. Tie-dye me a river, Find me now on a meadow runway decked in daisies…so much imagery that brings back memories. And I miss my peasant blouse.
Thanks, Lee! Yes, I will forgive the peasant blouse. They were nice! I bet yours had flowers.
The rhythm is incredible! This poem dances all the way to the very end. That last stanza is empowering! 💜
Thank you, H.A.! Kind words from a wonderful poet.
love love love the last stanza!
Sue, thank you! I appreciate you reading and commenting on the poem.
tie-dye me a river gets the reader singing, donated pantyhose to the cat – wonderful image. Is there anything in this history we miss now? I don’t think so, though the poodle skirt meant a lot at the time, and nothing since compares.
Yes, I was envious of the poodle skirt! Thanks, Linda.
This hits the spot! Clever. Love the contrasts between items throughout. And so nice that girdles and stays are not mentioned. We will not return!!! (But that’s what we thought about abortion rights, voting rights, …)
LOL, Mary. I had a girdle in here, but ended up with the taped and tailored line. So much I had to pick and choose. Thanks for the comment! (And definitely agree about the other stuff grrrr.)
that’s a pretty complete tour of fashion and time. Love the ending
Thanks, Mike. I’m sure men get off easier in the “fashion” line than women do. Maybe not anymore tho.
It’s always exciting to see what poem you will post next!
What a nice thing to say, John! Thank you so much!
love “Donated all my pantyhose to the cat.” I’m in my pajamas and it’s not bedtime
PJs sound great, Gaby! Thanks for reading!
😂 “Donated all my pantyhose to the cat”
Thanks, Pam. First, I put them through the shredder, then decided, heck, a cat would love them.
I, too, love this. The tone and details. “Tie-dye me a river!”
I love this! It’s like a walk down memory lane sans the bra and pantyhose.
Yes! Love “vogueing the sweet grass” and this sartorial cataloging
“Oh, tie-dye me a river” drove it home! Very fun poem.
Barefoot vogueing! Yes!
What a delightful poem, Sylvia. Loved the poem’s turn at the lines:
“Oh, tie-dye me a river
I torched my bra a long time ago”
and the ride to the end of the poem.
Such a strong ending, the imagery here is so rich! One of my favourites from you so far
A master class in alliteration. So many lines have already been mentioned, so I’ll give a shout out to:
I’ve flapped the fringe and checked the flannels
And don’t forget to gag me in gingham
I love the lightness of being this poem conveys, the freeing of oneself throughout the years. Makes a good case for growing older!
love the penultimate stanza