as my ugly sweater snarls

got it in a thrift shop. 
in Orlando.
in 2003.
vintage Ralph Lauren.
didn't wear it for five years.
as it aged to perfection
in many closets.

it is heavy and warm.
it is super itchy.
I have to wear long sleeves under it. 
it's never been washed.
not once.
it's perfect.
it's professorial. 

it's haunted.
having seen many things.
with a life of its own.
sleeves rolled at the wrists.
it growls low at strangers.
like a hurt wolf.

if it doesn't like you.
it will tell me.
and I will become a ghost.

a stolen concert hat.
finishes off the look, crooked. 
a bandana tail wags.
cold weather prays for wear.
the cardigan preys on hearts.
I am writing in it now.
it is grumpy.