Is your polyester warm, sir?

She asks, feeble hands tucked in worn-out pants.

I remember this colour because it stained my hands and lasted through the summer.

Is the colour the right shade of red, sir?

Or is it too dark for you?

You see, I soaked them in the red pool much longer than I should have

but when I pulled them out,

My! It was redder than ruby, brighter than blood!

Now all the kids in my neighbourhood have hands stained pink,

the red softened by the mud.

Is the lining smooth, sir?

Does it feel soft against your skin?

When my mother sewed it in, she could not tell if her blood soaked in!

The brightest red this is! Brighter than I've ever seen.

Perfect for the winter, the holiday season,

expressing holiday cheer!

Is your polyester warm enough, sir?

I should hope it is.

When the Big Man said there was no more wool,

We had to switch the polyester in!

But it is better, he tells me!

Better for the Big Man's pockets, and means

that I too will have bigger pockets, then,

a bigger bed, a better deal!

The stains may have afforded me,

50 bucks and a small meal.

The red has seeped into the heart,

But only some aching and bleeding it leaves.

Well, so long as it is warm enough,

It should suffice, sir.

I cannot complain for you wear it well.

And if the red does not leak from the polyester,

well then, it is the biggest win!

if for you, then also, for me.

The Noresoup Jukebox