I am given the task of folding my clothes 

and placing most of them into a trash bag. 

They will be clothes I have outgrown 

outlived 

or simply do not want anymore. 

And they will be given 

To children in need who will have longed for them 

Much more than I ever have. 

A lot of the clothes I choose to give away without question. 

Some of them pull at emotions I didn’t know were held in these coloured intricate fabrics, Such as a shirt I wore constantly in middle school but despised 

Because it never quite looked right on me. 

Now it’s two sizes smaller 

And I remember the child I was 

Wearing a shirt a size bigger than I was 

and feeling out of place. 

But there’s this one shirt. 

A white t-shirt. One with silver lettering telling me something about love. 

About how it shines. Or glitters. Something childishly empowering but something you can find thought in if you think deep enough. 

And on it is a glittery sequined heart, 

With pretty shiny colours- on both sides, as a matter of fact. 

I flip over it a few times, remarking at the ease with which I am able to flip these smooth sequins and gather their feel in my hands. 

I have fondness for this shirt. 

This is a shirt I remember picking out for myself, 

the message resonating with something within me 

a sentiment I carried for the world, 

and something a little deeper I had the smudged lettering of 

but hadn’t quite deciphered yet. 

I don’t feel wistful for that sad child I was 

when I look at it. 

I remember the colourful feeling I chased and felt 

when I first laid eyes on it, 

and the love I still carry for it. 

I think to keep it for three minutes, 

to let it stay with the few clothes I have outgrown 

that I desperately want to hold onto 

for the memories they bring. 

And then I consider it a little longer 

And begin to fold it. 

I want another child

One probably in need of a white t-shirt 

With silver lettering and a glittery sequined heart

To wear and love 

And undoubtedly cherish 

In some shape or form or being. 

It’s time for another child 

To love this sequined shirt 

The way that I have 

And possibly even more than I ever could. 

And perhaps be touched by its simple and universal message

To love and be loved. 

I finish folding this shirt, 

hug it close as a final goodbye, 

A thank you for everything I can’t quite say out loud,

And I gently place it into the bag.