My favorite panties are not all silk
and sex appeal, not matching set wet dream,
intricate intimates, lace deflowered.
They are cotton, classic, gray and fraying
blood-stained battle armor, soaking in sweat,
are bottom of the drawer, camel toe with
every pair of leggings, sale section at
Target, utilitarian fashion.
When I say panties, think granny’s under-
garments pinned to the clothes line, think well-worn
fabric. When I say panties, think this
is the most vulnerable I have ever
been in front of you, standing here in this
less-than-seductive underwear, making
your breath hitch in spite of my period panties.
Emma Yahr is a recent alumna of North Central College, graduating in May of 2021 with her Bachelor of Arts in English Studies. Most recently, her chapbook, "Healing: An Index" was longlisted for the 2020 Button Poetry Chapbook Contest. Her work has been featured on Poets.org, the 30 North Literary Review, and The Whorticulturalist, but can also be found on various post it notes and napkin corners scattered across the greater Chicago area.
Latest posts by Emma Yahr (see all)
- IN DEFENSE OF THE WORD PANTIES - 17th February 2023
Wow. Yes.