Wrong Thread, Still Warm

The lining split in March.

I kept saying I'd fix it. Let it slide.

Last night I found a tin—brown thread,

not black, someone else's needle inside.

I started in. The stitches: crooked,

too far apart, too brown on black—

a visible repair, no hiding.

I wore it to work. Didn't look back.

Thread held. Jacket warm.

Brown on black in the lining.

Not how I'd have wanted it.

But I put it on this morning

and went out.