Sewing a Button

becomes a way of knowing

how loose the world is

how easily you can lose your mind     the thread 

of your lover’s hand

I sew mother-of-pearl buttons on an old sweater

make believe I am a bee making honey

so long ago     finding a button was like homecoming

the door opens

                             I flirt like a young girl 

                             who knows nothing

                             about how quickly air changes

                                           how a lost button

                             is gold  emerald  rust