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Folded and Stacked
by Kristina Woodhillone blanket on blanket
another on top of that
colors and weaves touch
each one with a small tag
each tag reveals writing
and each tag attached
to a corner for seeing
and reading the tale of
each blanket placed then
on the top of the next as
this stack's soft upfolding
soon touches the ceiling
and tightly they rest there
their stack becomes solid
solidity striping this space
firmed with softness
piled high full of history
memories mended and
tenderly unwrapped for
sharing and baring that
warmest of objects that
healer of tears dripping
onto the fabric absorbing
life's fears wee sobs soon
suspended embraced by
arms folding re-molding
love's blanket that seals
in and heals
01/02/2007
Author's Note: This is my response to an exhibit by Marie Watt at our art museum in its large gallery, some 25 feet high, with a column of blankets from floor to ceiling, folded and stacked one atop the other. Other smaller hard sculptures mixed with some layers of real blankets were here and there in that hall. In addition there was a guest book where the public could include any personal stories about blankets in their lives.
Her exhibit is titled Blanket Stories
"Watt seeks out blankets from family, friends and secondhand stores, and arranges them in symbolic towers that are reminiscent of different standings, such as memorials or Native Northwest totem poles.
�We are received in blankets, and we leave in blankets,� said Watt. �[These works are] inspired by the stories of those beginnings and endings, and the life in between. I am interested in human stories and rituals implicit in everyday objects."
Posted on 01/03/2007
Copyright © 2025 Kristina Woodhill
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Sandy M. Humphrey on 01/03/07 at 06:39 PM I am touched by the symbolism of your poem and it's subject. Blankets comfort, and even if you can not wrap a loved one in a blanket and hold them I mentally do at times and pray for them. Thank you for this poem. I am adding it to my favorites. smh |
| Posted by Gregory O'Neill on 01/03/07 at 07:31 PM Fascinating. Must be a wonderful work to see. And you do it justice, especially starting with, "firmed with softness" through the final line, which seems to me, the artwork in a nutshell. Excellent, Kristina. Thanks. |
| Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 01/04/07 at 03:03 PM Your choice of vocabulary and construction (words stacked like the blankets) makes it easy to visualize the inspiration, even without the Author's Note; the sign of a good poem! |
| Posted by Peter Humphreys on 01/04/07 at 11:03 PM This is a finely craft and beautiful work of art. |
| Posted by Charles E Minshall on 01/05/07 at 06:34 PM You blanket Pathetic with a fine poem with this one Kris....Charlie |
| Posted by David Hill on 01/06/07 at 02:46 AM Both Linus and I love this fine tribute. I never watch TV without my blanket. Your originality always shines. |
| Posted by Soulo Jacob Bourgeau on 01/10/07 at 01:52 AM This is absolutely my favorite poem I've read here in awhile. It deserves a POTD, but even more importantly it should be placed in that guestbook at the museum. |
| Posted by Steven Kenworthy on 01/11/07 at 01:19 PM shockingly witty and fun for the topic matter. in my opinion it shows amazing talent to take a topic that most people would not consider poetic or would want to write about and then making it this creative, supercrafty poem. giving life to the lifeless, a delicious ability. |
| Posted by Joan Serratelli on 03/22/09 at 01:30 PM The image of this "stack" is very vivid! I can really see it- you described it so well. The artist who made the stack must be quite talented because the poet who wrote this piece cetainly is! |
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