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November 2009 
Button
Posted on Jun 21st, 2007
by 
Ron
Ron
I am holding the buttonhole open, with my left thumb
Pressing against the top side causing it to spread, to arch.
I can see the reddish flesh of my thumb through the back side.
In tandem I am pinching this small opalescence with my
Right forefinger and thumb, nudging it forward, now
Only with with my right thumb, through the waiting eyelet.
Then, as if on cue, my left index finger joins it's thumb,
Taking hold, as it passes through, pulling toward the west,
Even as my right fingers have let her go in that instant,
LIghtly gripping and pulling the shirt's edge eastward.
There is an almost imperceptible but satisfying click as
The button's shining face is fully revealed...
My dog can hear it.
Now, parts of the same thing are mysteriously joined,
Made whole each time... the button, a badge of that.
Pressing against the top side causing it to spread, to arch.
I can see the reddish flesh of my thumb through the back side.
In tandem I am pinching this small opalescence with my
Right forefinger and thumb, nudging it forward, now
Only with with my right thumb, through the waiting eyelet.
Then, as if on cue, my left index finger joins it's thumb,
Taking hold, as it passes through, pulling toward the west,
Even as my right fingers have let her go in that instant,
LIghtly gripping and pulling the shirt's edge eastward.
There is an almost imperceptible but satisfying click as
The button's shining face is fully revealed...
My dog can hear it.
Now, parts of the same thing are mysteriously joined,
Made whole each time... the button, a badge of that.
Access: Public
Beautiful. So present. “made whole each time.” And, when a button pops off, or is missing, we're “exposed.” The gap in the shirt gives the world a peek at our vulnerable flesh. Losing a button leaves some of us feeling self-conscious. (and others just let it all hang out).
Lovely, as always. “a badge”—I like that word here.
c'est comme une porte, non?
Miraculous! How is this possible?
Yeah otter that is so true. I like your extensions from the poem. And Laura, I'm glad you liked the word badge here. I searched for a word meaning representative. Savitri, yeah, Francis Ponge's The Door definitely influenced me. Click. And OK, Thanks. It's still just a button, isn't it?
Yes, “just” a button :)