It wasn’t that long ago

I was spinning in front of a mirror

watching my dress float around me

as my toes ignored the gritty floor,

my hair punched my chin,

my belly jumped like first love,

and I didn’t dare laugh at the magic

as I felt the weight of seasons glancing off

my skin, unlike now when I am wearing

every hot summer day and every deep

winter drift like a cloak and choker

in some sophisticated cocktail party

where I don’t know anyone but I have to

mingle to survive.