Three Bow Ties

The question of concert dress

came up last night, as it does every term.

There was some momentary confusion because
Patty, our director, seemed to imply
that all of the men were supposed to wear bow ties –

not correct, as some of the men
have always worn long ties.

The confusion was cleared up.
But during break, a woman whom I’d noticed

sitting on the far end of the alto section
came up to me to say
that her husband – who had recently died –
had owned three formal bow ties.

She was wondering if I could use one of them.

It didn’t seem appropriate somehow to say,
”Sorry about your husband’s death.”

At least, I didn’t think to say it.
I thanked her, and said that I always wore a long tie,

but that Patty kept a concert wardrobe, including
some tuxedos, and also some
long black outfits with sleeves, for women.

Maybe Patty would like to add
the three bow ties to her collection.
”That’s a good suggestion.
Thank you, “ the woman said. But I was left

with an anxious sense of loose ends –

too many words spoken, and too few –

connection interrupted.