Wash Before Wearing

Do you wash before wearing?
Well, I never do
But society says
What I do is taboo.

On the label is written:
A cold water wash
Is what we recommend.
(Or you’ll suffer, by gosh!)

The dye in the fabric
May seep to your skin
Or the garments that share
The machine that it’s in.

Do I follow instructions
Or stick to my guns?
Will I look like a Na’vi*
From color that runs?

These blue jeans are dark
So perhaps their advice
Should be taken to heart
Or I’ll pay a steep price.

It’ll be the first time
That I’ve followed the rule
But an obstinate sort
Sometimes looks like a fool!

*blue-skinned creatures from “Avatar”