stretching tender_square i washed the raven turtleneck precisely once and laid it flat to dry. i fretted over the sizing when i'd bought it; the length of the torso, the stretch ribbing. the fibers compacted, bounce back to tightening as i tug self-consciously at hemlines. i swirl a pink bucket with cool water, squirt blobs of conditioner, mix suds and silk. i let the cotton soak these woven strands like follicles, willing them to lengthen. 230716 ... raze first, fingers to toes. then try to touch the slanted ceiling. gather, wince, and repeat. a salve to slow soft tissue's surrender to the temerity of movement. ligaments grow longer with all the grace of being gone. 230716 what's it to you? who go blather from