Elene Kontonikas, an Adelaide artist, ponders the transformative power of clothing – and what lies beneath.
If I Changed Your Dress
If I changed your dress, to a linen cloth,
you are a philosopher, sharing wisdom at marble temples.
If I changed your dress, to leather trousers,
you are a rock star, passion pouring from you.
If I changed your dress, to suede chaps,
you are an outback cowboy, a mystery to the town folk.
If I changed your dress, to puffy knickerbockers,
you are a royal guard, loyal to your people.
If I changed your dress, to flowing silk pants,
you are an eastern guru, granting light to followers.
If I changed your dress, to a tartan skirt,
you are a highland warrior, battle ready and victorious.
If I changed your dress, to a loin cloth,
you are a noble savage, drawing strength from kindness.
But I want you naked.
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Readers’ original and unpublished poems up to 30 lines can be emailed, with postal address, to [email protected]. A poetry book will be awarded to each contributor.