The mulberry tree in the garden
still green in November
understated in the red, gold chorus line
lets go.
Suddenly, without warning.
Naked.
A fury of large heart-shaped leaves
applauds from the orchestra seats.
Not a slow strip tease
like Tempest Storm
mink
gloves
pearls
floating to the stage.
No storm, no wind.
She
decides the time
to show her skinny-ass limbs.
Shivering in sweater, scarf, gloves
I can’t stop looking.
I want to go out like that
in one fell swoop,
unfastened, undone
dishes left in the sink.