Before I knew enough of the world

to cover myself

with bras and t-shirts,

I ran topless around the yard

like my brother.

 

After bath time

I unwrapped myself

from the towel

and held it behind me

like wings

as I ran

through the house shouting

            “Butterfly! Butterfly! I’m a butterfly!”

 

That day when I heard

“Girls wear shirts, Katie”

I shrank back

just a bit

learning how to feel

embarrassment,

learning how to poorly

hide it,

learning how to redeem myself with

cotton.

 

Summer continued as I accepted

this fact

but on hot days I stared

at my brother

wondering

why

he did not have to cover up.