A Visit

The packaging workshop is brightly lit
I hold an iron in my hand
Gathering all the warmth of my palms
I must first smooth the straps
So they won't dig into your shoulders
Then I start ironing from the waist
What a lovely waistline
Where a fair hand might rest
On a tree-lined path
Caressing a quiet love
Finally, I spread out the skirt
I must iron each fold to the same width
So you can stand by the lake
Or on the lawn
Awaiting the breeze
You may also run
But, you must let the skirt flutter
In gentle curves
Like a blooming flower
I need to wash my sweat-dampened uniform
I've already folded it neatly
Packed it away
Sleeveless dress
It will be boxed and shipped from the workshop
Sent to some market
Some fashionable boutique
Awaiting you, the only one
Unfamiliar girl, I love you

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Wu Xia, born in 1982 in Sichuan Province, writes fiction, prose, and poetry. Her work has been published in magazines such as Tianya, Zuopin, Poetry Journal, Prose · Overseas Edition, and Guangzhou Literature. In 2014, she participated in the documentary film The Verse of Us. In 2015, she was featured in CCTV's May Day special Workers' Poetry and on Phoenix TV's programs Life Experiences and A Date with Luyu. She has published a prose collection Shenzhen Stories and a poetry collection Sleeveless Dress.