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chain stitch

by Kristina Woodhill

chain stitch poem photo feb, 2008

the chain of gold that stitches through this cloth
invites me to past tables where i've been
i finger patterns sewn in Lebanon
and mend the loose raw fuzz from hungry moths

you share with me the wines of old Sidon
i dab your cheek as juices bleed and blend
the faded stains add provenance – the when
of Beirut's peaceful beach, its sea's rich froth

my needle fills deep holes to mend war's sloth
of decades wasting time and wasting men
i must continue sewing even when
the thread is pulled to breaking past its knot

this table cloth and set of napkins twelve
were sewn to share a meal, not shroud a grave

02/18/2008

Posted on 02/19/2008
Copyright © 2024 Kristina Woodhill

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Mara Meade on 02/19/08 at 12:37 AM

Wherewherewhere did you find this picture of embrodery and naan? The poem broke my heart open, but this picture is beyond words....

Posted by Rhiannon Jones on 02/19/08 at 12:43 AM

Oh, beautiful! Poem and picture transport me to many shared meals, shared sadnesses and happinesses, in a fiercely beautiful land that I love! Thank you for this.

Posted by Mary Frances Spencer on 02/19/08 at 06:05 AM

You evoke the bittersweet past so well here! MFS

Posted by Charlie Morgan on 02/19/08 at 04:38 PM

...kristina, a heavy, heavy write...i love your delicate way with mankind's inhumanity...expressive, not blameful...a mothering perspective, mmmm...peace,chaz

Posted by Gregory O'Neill on 02/20/08 at 07:47 PM

I appreciate this very much. If only we could actually "sew-up" this torn fabric of life we seem to too easily tear, cut and rip. Delighted. Thanks.

Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 02/22/08 at 01:38 PM

Powerfully poignant and absolutely eloquently written! Your symbolism is brilliant!

Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 02/22/08 at 05:31 PM

Not something I would ever consider writing, and so to me an unexpected gem rises from these stitched lines.

Posted by Genevieve Sturrock on 06/05/09 at 01:02 PM

as a seamstress and a poet i am moved beyond words.

Posted by Paganini Jones on 05/02/11 at 06:50 PM

Thank you - excellent poem, now featured in Sessions of Sweet Silent Thought!

Posted by Sam Richmond on 05/03/11 at 06:40 PM

Kristina; 'Chain Stitch' is absolutely filled with heartfelt emotions. The way you express them is so sincere. This is an exceptional piece of work. I can't see the picture, but I'm sure that it enhances your thoughts.

Posted by Linda Fuller on 05/06/11 at 05:29 PM

A rich, evocative poem - well done!

Posted by E. A. Pugh on 05/11/11 at 02:12 AM

Love your title and poem !

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