In a seminar the lucky ones
who may yet find employment
rejoice in donations
from a month of Sundays.
Gabardine, regimental striped
ties, items that harmonize.
If it’s respect you seek, don
dignity. Raiments of discretion.
Each body a consecrated temple.
That means
sister, no one needs to see
past your knees.
That means, brother, shirts
with sleeves. Polished shoes
to spread the light.
Here, the gloves of last inspection.
Yes, check yourselves in the mirror
but no good reason
to linger there.
Jeanne Marie Beaumont is the author of four books of poetry, most recently Letters from Limbo (CavanKerry) and Burning of the Three Fires (BOA). She lives in New York City.