Bolts

Green satin, figured with cedar and chrysanthemum, turquoise upon marine, slither, tiny steps. Whey muslin, falling plain, open weave, dried tea-leaves, tatters. Chestnut velvet, coral trim, becoming, coming out. Unbleached calico, pale and pasty, floury pastry, washed out, wash-day. Shantung oyster, stiff with trepidation, measured paces, four somethings hidden with the whalebone. Post-virginal lawn. Gabardine twill, dark sensible, weather-proof tutorial. Ribbons, ribbons, ribbons. Bombasine instructress, instructions not included.

Before the mirror
decked with water flowers
the white girl shakes out
her green sleeves

Later this evening
hiding from rain
birds will stumble on branches
silk fall to the ground

She who seemed
so delicate and strange
will glimmer homely
in the wet shadows