Shrinkage

The box is labeled 'Work 2019'.

I tried on the navy slacks

and the button screamed at the thread.

I am wider now, or the world is smaller,

and I can't breathe in the version of me

that lived in that office.

I should throw them in the bin.

But I keep the copper button

hanging by a single strand,

a little piece of proof

that I once moved through the day

without catching my breath.