Defense for mailing panties back

In hindsight, big mistake,
no doubt. Found in dryer load, slightly damp,
thought them yours after nine-day stay,
scattered clothes about my place.

Bra, 34B, on rocking chair, jeans crumbled
by the stairs, lacy tees draped
on bed. No color mistake or lie,
red or pink, not pure white.

No misunderstanding size,
eight or nine instead of five.
Not low-rise bikini or tiny thong
baring cheeks, upper thighs. Dirty job,

finding owner -- mystery intensified
when people try each other on
for size. To be sure, miscommunication 8
on Richter panty owner scale.

Sent wadded here again by mail,
I pinned them up at Lost and Found --
near the fabric softener,
I think it's Bounce.

Timothy Pilgrim