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chain stitch
by Kristina Woodhill
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 © 2026 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 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 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 Paganini Jones on 05/02/11 at 06:50 PM Thank you - excellent poem, now featured in Sessions of Sweet Silent Thought! |
| Posted by Linda Fuller on 05/06/11 at 05:29 PM A rich, evocative poem - well done! |
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