There’s a pair of denim shorts
in my dresser right now
with a folded up ten-dollar bill
in the front, left pocket.
It’s always in there.
I reach into my pocket often
when I am wearing the shorts
to make sure it is still there.
Its lived in this pocket
for a long time –
at least two years,
possibly more.
Last week I stuck my hand in
the pocket when I was folding
the clothes and there
was nothing in there.
I was immediately sad.
Did I spend it and forget about it?
What could have been so
important that I spent it
and now I don’t even remember
what I spent it on?
I was so frustrated!
I tucked the shorts in the drawer –
minus the ten dollars,
unsure if I would
wear them again,
and took out my frustration
by vigorously shaking out the towels
before folding them.
The bottom of the clothes
basket was finally in sight,
but I was still bewildered.
Then, from under a sock peeked
a bit of green paper.
I squealed with glee.
I grabbed the cash and ran to
my dresser and tucked it
into the left, front pocket
of my shorts –
where it belongs.
I don’t know why this money
lives in my pocket.
Maybe there’s some sort
of comfort
in the sameness?
Maybe it’s the smile
that comes over me
when I put the shorts on
and stick my
hand in my pocket
and feel the worn,
folded edges
and think,
“Yep, I’m ready.”
I am not sure why
I do this
and I don’t feel
that I need to explain it
or understand this quirk.
It just is.
It’s just a part of being me.
#PermissionGranted
Embrace your quirks. And embrace those of others – even the ones that may make you crazy. We have to allow for quirks so that we can all be who we are, right where we are!
