NPMC16 Poem 7: Others and my Wardrobe

We're a week into National Poetry Month Challenge, and it isn't too late to jump in if you haven't yet for any reason. Remember, getting a poem for each day, though different, is still valuable.

Today I'm just writing some thoughts that I had in poem. No poetry tips or commentary this morning. Just some impromptu mostly unedited (reworking lines as I write them as always) poetry.

NPMC 2016 Poem 7:

"Others and my Wardrobe"

If not for others
my hair'd have a blue streak
a frolicking fox would wind up my neck
and who knows how my wardrobe would grow
I'd always wear scarves
and chunky big boots
with t-shirts declaring my nerdom
Make-up would still be much too much work
except something cool with my eyes
or I'd go to my closet and pick the comfiest thing
torn or tattered, outdated or out styled
and spend full days all in pajamas
my arms could be bare and jiggle and jiggle
and not a thought would be given to bulging waist handles
Maybe, in fact, I'd weigh much much less
the worry injected from my gazed upon fat
heavier than any metric unit or pound

But others are there
and they litter the air
with their thoughts and their stares
and fears of first impressions they can never reverse
and I need a job and a way in this world

when I'm dressed all professional
the service is better
my words have more weight
the sidewalks are easier to navigate
I can slip by  unnoticed with nary a thought
of importance or scorn or this dress that I wore

It's a fine balance
this dressing one's self
between impulse, weather, and daily life goals
and confidence so rarely really plays a role
Sure, not in all cases, I could shuck opinion aside
ignore what it is I think others think as they pass by
and worry far less about anyone's dress
but the world still has rules
that others must follow

and there's no escaping
this arbitrary whirlpool spinning of fashion
and unconsciousness judges

So if not for others
I could dress as I please
but if not for others
there'd be no need