SARTORIAL

SARTORIAL I went through my clothes the other day Yes, some are well-worn, others quite new They represent styles from both extremes Living, or once lived, a varied life it seems Can one assume identity from such a view Maybe clothing choices have much to say Formal suits on hangers in protective covers The smarter are even in the tuxedo fashion One even with a strictly grey striped trouser White shirts, a formality unlikely to arouse her But the wing collars may suggest little passion As stiff necks are quite rare between lovers A few checked shirts, almost lumberjack style With a couple of casual jackets, almost sporty Several predictable business suits, of course Useful for financial meetings at the Bourse Almost a City uniform after the age of forty Occasionally may even raise an ironic smile Then there are several Caribbean floral shirts And various T-shirts with a holiday destination An old style raincoat bought many decades ago It might still look good and fit me, you know A college striped scarf reminiscent of graduation The memory of those younger days still hurts There’s a woollen jumper and a hooded anorak Chinos and a pair of jeans that I’ve never worn Knee rips and faded denim was never for me With all those echoes of nineteen seventy three I wish my current extra pounds were still brawn But then clothes can bring all the memories back