Selma’s Closet

A dark pair of shoes
sitting in the closet,
with two dresses and two purses.

One fancy the other plain,
waiting for the time
to be aligned with the perfect outfit.

The first - a simple black thing,
adorned with her mother’s necklace,
perfect for evening

her figure the highlight of the ensemble:
the clutch a hideaway
for her make-up and keys.

If things go well
Mr. Right will be
sitting at the bar

she will attract
his attention
and he will want her

to join him
and his circle of friends
for the rest of her life.

The other dress,
more tailored
ready for work

same shoes, a different bag
with many compartments
for pens, notebook,

a box of mints,
an extra pair of hose,
a list of names and numbers.

If things go right
she’ll be hired
and then she can shop

for new clothes
to fill her closet
and maybe with the extra cash

buy another
pair of shoes
to expand her opportunities.