Winter Coat (Poetry)

I do not like
this ancient coat
of dry and loose-weave
skin
that nature ruled
I now must keep
my mind and body
in

It doesn’t fit
it doesn’t feel
like it belongs
to me
the colour’s wrong
the texture, too
it itches
constantly

I liked the one
I had before —
so pink and smooth
and neat
it stretched so well
and never sagged
well-suited — head
to feet

This one is more
like secondhand
it’s looking worn
and frayed
it really is
the least appealing
garment ever
made

I wish that I
could take it back —
exchange or trade it
in
I’ve reached the stage
I’m desperate
to shed this shabby
skin

Maybe I am
a little vain
perhaps I should
just fold
the flabby bits —
tuck in and hope
it makes me look
less old

I guess I’m stuck
with this disguise
It does no good
to rage
I’ll wear the years’
dull uniform
but never act
my age