a glimpse into my trip {poetry thursday}

back from sedona, trying to take it all in as i catch up on work and other things. in writing this poem this morning, i wanted to capture some moments spent with my mother during our trip. it really is just a draft of a poem, i need to peel back a bit more of it, fewer words i think (and i need to start a new knitting project to make sure i have the rhythm that i want in this). but it is a glimpse into some of our time together.

updated to add: this poem is actually about my mother teaching me to knit during our trip to sedona. because so many people have read my words about my grandmother in the past, i know that it would seem that i am talking about her here. the person "talking" in this poem is actually my mother talking about her grandmother (who was my grandmother's mother-in-law; they never really seemed to like one another, to put it mildly, yet they were so alike. and my relationship with my grandmother parallels my mother's relationship with her grandmother in many ways).

********

knit two, purl two

Curled up next to her I watch
patiently.
Her grandmother taught her this rhythm
her hands remember this rhythm
slide through
wrap
catch it
loop moves over
don’t pull too tight
do you see?
I nod
knit two, purl two
knit two, purl two

She hands me the yarn, the needles,
my grandmother said
my signature was to make
at least one mistake.
I hold the needles,
brown yarn through my fingers,
slide through
wrap
I thought that was kind in a way.

We sit in the quiet,
knit two, purl two
knit two, purl two
row after row
I remember when she unraveled
half a blanket,
“you have to get the first row”
she said, “or you ruin it all.”
Slide through
wrap
catch it
loop moves over
don’t pull too tight
breathe
my rhythm.

Not many people liked her,
my grandmother,
but we had something, an understanding.
I think it was because
I was patient with her.
I nod,
knit two, purl two
knit two, purl two
I know.

Days later,
my husband wards off the cold
with the knowledge, the mistakes, the rhythm
of the women who came before me
warmly wrapped around his neck.

Comments

[Remiman]

Liz,
I love the climax! Really , it's perfect.
As for the first part; I watch, sometimes, the nurse at work on their breaks and at lunch do their knitting and crocheting. Your poem has captured the rythm perfectly. Nice read out loud.
rel

[ceanandjen]

Liz~ I think that this is absolutely beautiful just the way it is. It captures so much...

I hope that your trip was blessed and beautiful. Welcome back!

xoxoxo

[Carolee]

Liz--first of all, i'm jealous of sedona. but since you're one half of the fabulous and hard-working poetry thursday crew, you're allowed some R&R!

i really like this. my favorite part is when you say "i thought that was kind" (about the mistakes).

i also love the many layered meaning of women around his neck!

[Regina Clare Jane]

I love to hear about your relationship with your grandmother, Liz... I never got the chance to know either of mine but just hearing about yours makes me wish for things that grandmothers and granddaughters do together, like knitting...
Glad you are home safe and I am looking forward to hearing more...
Wonderful poem, dear Liz.

[la vie en rose]

glad to have you back

i love this ending...so beautiful

call me when you get a chance...it doesn't have to be today...but sometime...

[Emily]

I really like how you captured the rhythm of knitting in the midst of this poem...loved your last stanza

[Kelly]

Very nice. I especially appreciate where you tell us that not many people liked her. That contrast with the relationship you had with her, making it so much more real and special. K

[wendy]

my signature was to make
at least one mistake

I just might put this in my will, to be put on my tombstone.

Don't worry..I'll credit you.

nicely done.

[Robin]

I liked the signature being a mistake. That means a lot to me; the fear of not being perfect is so deeply planted within me. It's such a tough root to dig out, get rid of. Wouldn't it be nice if all parents and grandparents told that to their children? Your mistakes are your signature. The world would know a lot more people full of self-acceptance. Thanks for such a lovely post, Liz. So soothing.

[Crafty Green Poet]

This reminded me of my abject failure to learn to knit, no matter my Mum's tuition....

[gautami tripathy]

I love knitting. One great stress buster for me. I really enjoyed your knit two, purl two!

gautami
http://firmlyrooted.blogspot.com/2007/02/parallel-streams-poetry-thursday.html" REL="nofollow">Parallel Streams

[Clockworkchris]

Now I see how you came up with a website like PT. This was completely enthralling. I was so gripped even on the numerous re-reads. My mom knits when she needs something to do, but she just learned from a friend. I am glad you didn't follow my idea for this week-your poem is breathtaking.

[belle]

this is lovely.

[Alex aka Gypsy Girl]

I love this poem! And it reminds me of my mama and all her wonderful crafty talents... Welcome back!

[Mary]

Oh, my, god. As a knitter, who was taught by mother... wow, this poem really hit home. So well done. Simply good.

[Colorful Prose]

I enjoy the silence in this poem--the words that are not said.

[jillypoet]

This is just great! I think it is perfect as is. The rhythm is just right, the flow of the language is meditative, like knitting. My mom just taught me to knit, too. I am almost finished with my first scarf, but scared to death to finish.

[gkgirl]

wow.
i'm late on this
but had to say
how much i love-love-loved
this one...
the passing down of
so much...
great work!

[Colorsonmymind]

This poem is so beautiful. I like the rythym, and the vision I had in my mind of you sitting with your mom-and when you wrote
"I nod" it tugged at my heart some-for the complexity of what I imagine was behind it.

I have been in such a blur lately that I haven't been around here in a long while. I have missed you and your insights.