CRIMSON INSTEAD She stitched our dresses from winter skin Cold thread pulling breath thin Every seam a burial Every fold a way to end Fits like rigor at the throat Tight where life still tries to move Red like truth you never say Red like what remembers you They wanted white Clean mouths, quiet hands But I— I chose crimson instead I chose crimson instead This is how the daughters bled I chose crimson instead Each thread a noose made soft Each button snaps a vow We learned to wear the damage Like it might save us now Scarlet sings against the bone Silk that knows your name Every stitch remembers why Every dress is blame They wanted white Still tongues, holy breath But I— I chose crimson instead I chose crimson instead Final fashion, final debt I chose crimson instead Watch us wear the end Wounds like stones in light Scars like lace Paid in full The sky is our dressing room The fall The final bow
