Sunday, April 28, 2013

Quilts


(for Sally Sellers) Like a fading piece of cloth 
I am a failure

No longer do I cover tables filled with food and laughter 
My seams are frayed my hems falling my strength no longer able
To hold the hot and cold

I wish for those first days 
When just woven I could keep water 
From seeping through 
Repelled stains with the tightness of my weave 
Dazzled the sunlight with my 
Reflection 

I grow old though pleased with my memories 
The tasks I can no longer complete 
Are balanced by the love of the tasks gone past I offer no apology only this plea: 

When I am frayed and strained and drizzle at the end 
Please someone cut a square and put me in a quilt 
That I might keep some child warm 
And some old person with no one else to talk to 
Will hear my whispers

 And cuddle near - Nikki Giovanni

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