Packed them up
Sent them off
to another state,
to my son
who goes to court
and obeys the rules.
Sent some
to my daughter
who used them
to decorate the walls.
I mean,
why do I need
a rope
around my neck?
So, like Houdini,
I’ve escaped
the rigidities
the requisites
It was a way of life
to which I could no longer adhere.
No boss-man now to say
You’re not dressed right.
Thank God!
I’ve got away
from all that crap: the tie,
and the jacket, and the starched white shirt.
They’re in the cedar closet, out of sight.
Nothing like a little dirt
to assuage the soul,
and some gardening
to show me the way.