30 July 2010 | Vol. 10, No. 2

Alterations

by MICHAEL SCHMELTZER

I.

Bottom hemmed. Sleeves shortened.

Before leaving the shop,

                        my mother waves

the tailor back, asks

for the remaining fabric

after the alterations.

I never bought a dress

this expensive.

I want to keep it all.

II.

Turquoise with decorative pearls,

                        picture tropical

                        oceans & mussels

infected, the dress my mother wore

to my wedding, later

                                    to her funeral.

III.

I danced with my mother's head

bobbing

            near my chest.

My father drifts,         buoyant

with champagne, me his youngest

dancing in a white tuxedo—foam

overwhelmed by the water

of its creation.