Favourite Dress

I met someone recently who had a favourite dress.
Pink. Bow on the front, not tired up.
Free, relaxed, worn in the comfort of home.
This was her favourite dress.

Seeing her put it on, still wet from the washing machine...
Well it made me think of my favourite dress.
Of how certain items of clothing make us feel.
How they can tell us something about the person wearing them.

In that light, let me tell you about my favourite dress.
It is moss green, old, lose fitting, and is made of rayon.
It has black buttons down half of the back and
is covered with black birds. I throw it on so easily, so naturally.

I wear it on my days off, it helps me relax.
Huddled up, laying down, stretching out,  no one else around.
Or there may as well be. Because this dress is one I wear when comfortable.
So good news, if I wear it around you, I'm truly relaxed with you.

You know who you are. Family, close friends and dogs.
I love you and can recharge. I don't feel observed and judged.
Because you are people and animals that stick around.
When I've had a hard day and get emotional, you help me get through.

This isn't just about a dress, it's about what it means.
It means that I am giving myself time to reflect, no expectations, no pressure.
So, reader, how about you.  I'm wearing mine as I write this poem.
I want to hear about your favourite item... what do you come back to and repair?

What is your favourite dress?

Feel

All of it. Pain, sorrow, not only yours but others.
So deep it wounds you.

But... if I did not feel...
How would I know?

To just hold, stroke, speak gently.
Be present and give all attention.

Till you find the pain bearable.
For I bear it with you.

Truly sorry that someone I
care about is in such pain.

So... thank you God.
For allowing me to feel.

To feel a little like you did.
When you bore all our pain.

“Come, Mr. Frodo!' he cried. 'I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King