A few prefer synthetics. That's OK.
You'll find no judgment here.
Newcomers often ask - why dress at all?
believing (as they would) that nettles seek
the unprotected skin.
They do not understand - the sheerest weave
catches each predatory ragged leaf
to press it sweetly close.
Nor do we run and thrash. Each loving sting
is better savoured in a peaceful mien
than in a turbulence.
We are not many. It is for the few
to walk in nettled fields and to enjoy
this most aesthetic pain.
