Ruth Bingaman

The Platitudinous Hoodie

I engulf what she hates, her stomach, her arms, her shoulders

She puts me on while shaking, she pulls on her skin

Hot tears roll down her face

She feels out of place

Black as night and soft as her mother’s voice

She hates me..

But she needs me 

She never leaves the house without me

No matter the weather, she puts me on, thinking I’ll make her feel better

There's too much pressure on me

Her attitude and confidence is all my responsibility 

She hates her body

So I puff around her like a cloud 

I’m slouchy and soft but my purpose is bitter

My purpose is to cover, to conceal

She sinks into her chair like the titanic-

Her heart splits into pieces 

Counting her calories…she puts me on

With her friends…she puts me on

They're all so skinny

And both of us can see it, so I protect her

My dark frame is enormous compared to their attire

Tiny shorts and little tops

Lacey straps and vibrant colors

She fakes a smile

I sigh

I’m sorry, I'm trying my best

I promise, no one can see a thing 

Just give me a rest 

I don't like myself

I'm a shapeless garment used to extinguish one’s insecurities 

All I do is cover

All I do is eliminate