“Ode to Sparkle Jeans”

By: Sarah R. Blattner

Somewhere in suburban Baltimore…

Modestly hiding on the rack,

Beckoning my stare, a dazzling pair of slacks--

Tucked beneath jeans that torment and squeeze,

Glinting in a sea of denim, an unlikely pair slides on with ease.

For a post-baby body, a lucky find and a bargain to boot,

Adorned with flecks of silver and blue.

Sparkles shimmer on the pockets and hips,

Shaped and stitched for a flattering, perfect fit.

A new mom’s uniform, worn with pride,

Fading and tearing with each diaper changing stride.

Like a sentinel, keeping watch at the park;

As babies and toddlers pitch sand and babble like larks.

With knees ripping and cuffs tattering,

My friend pleads for their retiring.

She says, “A going away present, a trinket of our times together….”

And I say, “A thread of my tapestry, a possession I will forever treasure.”

And now tucked away in my weekend warrior drawer,

Taken out only for lawn work, painting, and chores…

I reminisce of nostalgic days gone by; days of strolling, lunching, and sharing lore.

Yes, good times spent with friends in dear ‘ol Bawlmore.

Bawlmore: Baltimore, pronounced “bawlmore” by native Baltimorians