For the Wearers of White After Labour Day

You are rebellious and full
of pearly charm; ecru smiles
amidst faded tans.

We are fashion disciples
who char your image
with murky modes.

To us, you are fashion
faux pas; cause to scorn
with hep eyes.

I love the way you disobey
rules of gray. You take it
one step further;

bare your shoulders and toes
in Montreal’s October,
hair framing your wind-worn face.

You don’t cover up, run out
of luck, or believe in ruts.
Your worry-free, white heeled boots

rhythmically tap the sidewalk;
a fair beat, because
that’s what they were made for.

We shouldn’t live so critically.
You teach us, with pallid décor,
to ignore convention; to riot

against our wardrobes,
and our grandmothers,
and wear white, boldly, off-season.

K. A. Ryan