I’m that denim shirt that you
put in the washing machine
and allowed space to air-dry
on a single hanger in your
low-ceilinged basement
on a side street in autumn
I’m your favorite t-shirt that
is too small for you now, but
you refuse to give up because
it reminds you of who you used
to be when you were someone
I’m that lost sweater that you loved
folded twice and lightly hidden
in a holiday Fresh Direct bag
because you couldn’t bear the
sight of it after it was over
I was once more seen than I am
I was once someone important
But now I sit myself on a shelf
next to the All Free and Clear
and feel so very, very clean
but wildly unnoticed
© Jonathan Greene, November 6, 2026
