They\u2019ve been around a while.<\/p>\n
Ever since we became self-conscious<\/p>\n
Back when we left the Garden, blushing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Those weren\u2019t bought off-the-rack and<\/p>\n
Neither were they particularly haute or haughty \u2013<\/p>\n
After all, everyone was wearing the same thing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
But things have since evolved and today is<\/p>\n
Where we\u2019re at \u2013 or, more punitively, wear we\u2019re at.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
~~~<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A tale of high fashion and higher reality<\/p>\n
(Would someone who spins such a tale be a tailor?):<\/p>\n
Holy priests wearing holy clothing,<\/p>\n
The needle of earth perpetuating the thread of heaven:<\/p>\n
Stitch by stitch, bit by bit, it moves along.<\/p>\n
No pinpricks here nor a tear on a cheek or sleeve: nothing<\/p>\n
That can\u2019t be mended and made complete.<\/p>\n
Sowing much more than just a garment<\/p>\n
Much more than a simple cloth \u2013<\/p>\n
Sowing a soul, a dream, a promise.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Some wear clothing; others, clothing wears them<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Down.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Not these: you wear them up and they wear you<\/p>\n
Up, bring you up, shake you up and stand you up.<\/p>\n
Garment districts and garment bags?<\/p>\n
Not here \u2013 these are way beyond such hangers and hang-ups.<\/p>\n
These are tailor-made to fit the contour of soul just as much<\/p>\n
As the contour of body.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A High Priest, a conduit of love and peace, dressed to will,<\/p>\n
To will humanity to perfection; loving peace and pursuing peace.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Does clothing make the man or man the clothing?<\/p>\n
In this Holy Temple, the clothing makes the man divine<\/p>\n
And the man makes the clothing divine.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
One might say this is the greatest fashion statement of all.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
White and gold, blue and scarlet, fine twined linen<\/p>\n
The color and texture of a priestly blessing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Couture and culture, fad then fade:<\/p>\n
Like a sleeve turned inside-out most fashions move in and out<\/p>\n
Of style.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
But these are permanent, designed by the ultimate designer<\/p>\n
Manufactured in the omnipotent factory<\/p>\n
Worn but never worn out.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
~~~<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
And there are stones:<\/p>\n
Gems priceless in spirit<\/p>\n
Invaluable in holiness<\/p>\n
Shining with truth; gleaming with the Divine<\/p>\n
Cut with true precision.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
And you shall command the children of Israel
\n<\/i><\/p>\n
That they shall take for you pure olive oil
\n<\/i><\/p>\n
Crushed for the light-source
\n<\/i><\/p>\n
To kindle the lamp continually. <\/i><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
How else does one dress to light<\/p>\n
A world, a soul, a menorah<\/p>\n
If not in high fashion?<\/p>\n