In Case of Emergency

How can it be? exclaims the mother seeing her child
off on yet another first day of school. What will you do,
asked my own mother, if something terrible were to happen
to me? I didn't know how to imagine such a scenario—
couldn't. Can you? She owned a closet full of dresses
she sewed herself— such soft, beautiful fabrics. 
Such lady collars, perfect darts, perfect seams. 
But I would never have fit into any of them. 
What a waist! What a waste. They've all gone up 
in smoke. I buy most of my clothes now. Ready 
made is what they used to call it. As if you could 
step into an outfit, close the door, turn on all 
the lights. I thrift some, but infrequently. Who knows 
the romance of the single hook and eye or the hand-
smocked bodice anymore? I would run to the neighbors, 
I answered. I'd shout for help. I'd run my fingers
feverishly down the phone book as if it were 
a dictionary, looking for the word doctor or fire.