A Painful Journey

(My Persian rug, 2024) A Painful Journey I live a quiet and isolated life But it’s been one of great adventure That leaves me now a bit worn out Although satisfied and fulfilled Is probably how I should describe it, For I’m happy with its twists and turns Even though I know deep down Before I can even remember There is a loss that has flavored everything since Leaving it’s triggers below the surface Like an old thorn or splinter Now part of me, unable to extract. Today I received an old Persian rug Remarkable in so many ways From design and execution To quality of wool and dyes And it’s even more subtle and poignant story. Taken from Vienna during the 30’s As a valued possession small enough To make the passage to America, At a time when so much was left behind And at least something needed to remain To connect an uncertain future With a past that could never be again, It spoke to me Through my eyes and fingers Unconsciously taking in the markers of value Of all those delicate knots, tied so long before So far away Each holding their own story A million fibers Absorbing all the years between To make it to my doorstep A long adventurous and painful journey Like a handful of gems Sewn into the hem of an old man’s coat Across the seas, out of one context Into another and then another Sustaining something unmentionable Yet not forgotten. To land at last in my hands And touch me like a shadow Of a journey I have also known Touched and changed Broken and made whole again Over and over Life after life Name after name A story, the same old story, We all know In the secret private space of our hearts. The beauty of Life Is how it connects And how even when we feel it isn’t It can never ever disconnect. Rugs in all their useful beauty Show us this Inviting us to lay and feel Something that needs no words To complete. (11/21/24)