the life vest

when i first met her,
she was fresh out
of the institution.
she wore
an orange life
vest.
everyday she strapped
it on, snug
around her waist
and breasts.
notched and belted
tightly around
her back.
this worried me, but
you I got used to it.
i would say things to
her like,
I love that dress you're
wearing, I wish
I could see more of
it, shame that life
vest is blocking my view.
but she would dismiss
my suggestion and bat
her eye lashes, saying
shyly say, why thank.
you are so kind and
generous with your
words. after awhile
I went out and bought
a life vest too.
I'm wearing it now.
it makes sense if you
think about it.