integument

integument \ in-TEG-yuh-muhnt \ , noun;
A natural covering, as a skin, shell, or rind.


Secrets are made to do this
Though a snake without its scales
still appears a snake.

The people on the street
set up their tents and tables
call their dog Shit and stretch their muscles.

There will be more jello shots today
more beer, crisp duck bacon, fried
green farm eggs, and all of this is good.

The band that plays by the river lifts,
mystifies the dragonflies
who will understand even less why they spin,

like the girls in pink, ballerina dresses
fascinated by the upward curve of a small bridge
cannot stop from skipping over it

while the mothers watch from behind their cigarettes
and red Solo cups,
caressing their fingertips with their lips.