I find two pre-teens who are eager to help me with a class.
This is an arts and crafts project I tell them.
Are you good with arts and crafts?
They assure me that they are.
Have you ever embroidered or sewn or done crewel?
One of them knew what sewing was.
The other one was at a loss. She had never heard of these things.
I took them anyway, I had no one else.
The mission was to help eight nine-year-olds make stuffed pillows.
They were name pillows. The goal was to decorate them with embroidery.
I spent my entire time unknotting threads, and restringing needles.
My helpers texted each other on the phone. It was a disaster.
Categories:
restringing, humorous,
Form: Free verse
I have several newer of quality,
But I suspect, my favorite is still
that old violin of mine:
antique, though not especially valuable...unless
one takes all into account—the sensuous caresses,
countless waxing, mending
and restringing over the years--
The imagined Heifetz and Mozart
I have thrilled
in the packed halls of my musical
heart. Oh, not to suggest that I
think myself a virtuoso to anyone
but myself and others less critical
who hear me...for a spirit
in tune makes us all Concert Masters
and great lovers….
Categories:
restringing, analogy, inspirational, metaphor, music,
Form: Free verse
Priceless pearls scattered as the necklace
Was snapped, ripped away by greedy
Hands, envious of your sublime beauty
And even gentler encouragement. Bounc’d
Every one of them cross cobblestones, cracks,
And down the storm drain irretrievable.
Holding that golden empty promise string
Your fountain of tears so scalded my soul.
Could I but hold you, say comforting words,
I would have. But words are trite when the heart
Is blistered in injustice’s heat.
We gathered what we could, returning
To the Sea, knifing open more oysters
Restringing your dream, one pearl at a time.
Categories:
restringing, betrayal, heartbroken, hurt,
Form: Sonnet