Dressing Up



I came to this world
Wearing the birthday suit
I’d worn my whole life.

Seemed like it was all I needed
Back in the day,
Until other people decided otherwise.

They dressed me at first by their standards,
Then made me dress myself
According the same sense of style
Until I bought my own clothes.

I had to adopt a fashion sense
Through unfair trial and unforced error,
But eventually, I managed to cope
When I learned not to give a damn that
My statement resembled a punch line.

Now I’m older,
And I still dress myself with
Clothes that no longer fit;
It’s only a matter of time until
I stretch out my hands
While someone dresses me
For the trip everyone takes someday.

No matter what else I’m wearing then,
I’ll always have my birthday suit.

© 2007 by Robert E. Blackwell