Stitches of Life

sitting,

relaxed in my chair.

the needle goes in,
the needle comes out.

i think about things-

            random things

                        sometimes with direction

sometimes not.

the needle goes in,
the needle comes out.

will my son grow up to be a fine strong man?

            will it be hot tomorrow?

random colors create order from chaos

a picture begins to emerge, a product of my hands

my hopes

my dreams.

the needle goes in,
the needle comes out.

does the love i put in this piece show through?

                        does she know how often i think of her

                                    as i work on this symbol of our friendship?

the needle goes in,
the needle comes out.

i listen.

i hear sounds from all directions.

            a murmur from the bedroom

                        a radio in the background.

the wind in the palms.

the needle goes in,
the needle comes out.

from my hands emerges a picture.

a piece of art.

            but it is far more than that…

it is a mother’s hopes and prayers.

it is a meditation

                        a contemplation.

it is life

                        in stitches.

© 2005 Krista Long