Poem of the Week: "Ghosts and Fashion" by Elaine Equi
October 26, 2020 - Staff
Center for Poetry intern Jayla Harris-Hardy chose this week's poem, and said this about her selection: "I just feel like we’ve all become ghosts in our homes, but now we get to dress up for Halloween and pretend we’re going out." We hope you find the right attire for your Halloween celebration this week, however it materializes.
Ghosts and Fashion
Elaine Equi
Although it no longer has a body
to cover out of a sense of decorum,
the ghost must still consider fashion—
must clothe its invisibility in something
if it is to “appear” in public.
Some traditional specters favor
the simple shroud—
a toga of ectoplasm
worn Isadora-Duncan-style
swirling around them.
While others opt for lightweight versions
of once familiar tee shirts and jeans.
Perhaps being thought-forms,
they can change their outfits instantly—
or if they were loved ones,
it is we who clothe them
like dolls from memory.