To Grow Old into Your Old Coat

A poem by Katie Norris

2021

Months--Poetry
Poetry

en-US

text

Norris_Coat.jpg
Norris_Coat.pdf

Copyright protected by Katie Norris. Use of materials from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce is required.

Note on transcription: This transcription may not reflect the poetic form established by the poet. Please refer to the PDF file of this poem available in the Files section for proper formatting.

To Grow Into Your Old Coat

When I was young,
the sleeves of your coat were too long
and it felt heavy on my arms.

You smiled at my youth,
and assured me that I would one day
fill in the empty space
of this old coat.

I wore it with pride,
even as it would slip off my shoulders,
even though it bore the rips, and held scars
of dutiful service in its skin.

After all these years,
where I now stand alone,
bereft of your guidance,
I still do not fit.

I am older than you now,
and the seams are still together
and size fitting on my body,

but I have not grown
into your coat,
and I worry,
that I never will.