A TIE FOR EVERY OCCASION

He has a tie

that is correct for a concert

in the park, and another

for an informal gathering at a friend’s.

He has a bow tie with bachelor buttons

in white stripes,

perfect for finding friendship

under an affable moon.

He wears a different tie

for following his heart

than he does for uncovering

the ideas his students conceal

in English class.

Yesterday he wore a silver tie

while sipping coffee in a cafe,

this morning a navy one

while a new day

was knocking on his door.