Better In This Iteration

This tie, suitcoat navy and pumpkin stripes, is the darker, more sedate version of last night's screamer.  It is the sight of the first few grey hairs in the mirror, the sigh past the junior department in Macy's, the wince at bubblegum ice cream and neon peeptoe pumps.  It is the modulated tone with the saleswoman, the patient smile with the young waiter, but the flirtatious wink at dinner.