An Ode to Tolerance

He has a closet full of skins
in every ray of colour
jacket to party – proper shades
to greet a raisin sun
striped suits to accommodate
sudden habit changes
--outside smile shallow.

Inside the cloth is another side
of character – avarice
meanness and skullduggery

take your pick. Often wonders
about himself --
an answer in his memoirs.

© Richard L. Provencher