Notes About The Poem

Selvedge Edges

Blue-checkered curtains are faded and drawn,..
after the years since she made them from gunny-sack cloth

The Singer, long idle, now gathers more dust,
with its needle still threaded and the treadle at rest

As I clear out the room, I think of long hours
of foot-peddled power, and strength in her soul.

She would unroll the fabric of roses and flowers,
with determined resilience in dark circled eyes.

But prudence, endurance, would salvage a way

Abandoned and left in a sea of lost dreams
She picked up the pieces, of patterns and hems 
Making a living, and raising her kin,
didn't come easy,  but she had to win

A life left unraveled, she must sew up again.  
Working past midnight. Spindles would spin. Somehow rekindled
to live once again. 
Making ends meet. Selvedge edges and hems
Sowing her heart, sowing her skill, and sowing her soul
Sewn together again

______________________________________________________
4/20/18
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Densham Avatar
May 20, 2018 at 11:38 AM
Powerful memory picture. I'm not young and can actually remember similar scenes of passing cycles. Enjoyed.
Haight Avatar
May 3, 2018 at 1:59 PM
Carrie, I love how you weaved the special lines into your very poem filled with imagery from memories. Congratulations on your well-deserved podium win. Hugs, Sandra
George   Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 6:00 PM
I knew this would be high on the winners list, Carrie. Number one in my book. Many congrats . Lainie
Johnson Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 2:44 PM
You did this one in your own perfect way. Congratulations. Love, Joyce
Roper Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 11:56 AM
Congratulations on your win, Carrie, a wonderful poem with great imagery ...
Allison Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 11:48 AM
Many congratulations on your win in the contest Carrie, your imagery is so superb:-) hugs Jan xx
Gentry Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 9:59 AM
Oh yes. This is truly remarkable. Losing her love... Congratulations on your win. It is easy to see how this is a winner.
Rodrigues Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 7:30 AM
Love the selvedge edges and making ends meet! I’m familiar as a sometimes quilter! Carrie, this is a lovely write! Congrats!
Gauthier Avatar
May 2, 2018 at 5:54 AM
Back with well deserved congrats, Carrie.
George   Avatar
April 26, 2018 at 8:36 AM
A Masterpiece, dear Carrie. So much the life story of my Grandmother George. This goes to my favorites. Elaine
Onclaud Avatar
April 21, 2018 at 5:19 PM
wow, now we are really talking, breathing excellent poetry, this about love lost... how nice to see you penning again, carrie... a best-seller!... huggs
Warrior Avatar
April 21, 2018 at 11:45 AM
Superbly done my friend...a bit of a challenge...but you pulled it off...best of luck and stay in the light...^WW^
Ashley Avatar
April 20, 2018 at 9:49 PM
This poem is absolutely beautiful, Carrie. Every line is just so poetic, especially; 'Losing her love in a battle at sea, left her adrift in a sea of lost dreams' - pure poetic bliss for me. Your poem keeps me lingering over the beauty of its imagery and heartfelt emotion in your lovely lines. Best wishes for a win!
Gauthier Avatar
April 20, 2018 at 9:15 PM
Wow, Carrie. What a sweet and touching story you have unraveled. This character has totally come to life for me. I feel like the friend who has come along to support the daughter who has to clear out the room. A FAVE with me.
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