WOMENS’ LIVES

We quilt ourselves a soft story
pad it with love
pad between our legs
            knit, purl, cast off
busy hands
stitch our hearts back in place
mend our split vaginas
this is my blood-dyed creation
warm gentle wash
dry in a safe place, out of direct sunlight
            knit, purl, cast off
this constant knitting together
keep the family close
patch our children through life
            knit, purl, cast off
we weave people in and out of our lives
cross-stitch a scene for ourselves
a tapestry of emotions
tailor our tears
            knit, purl, cast off
sew up, down hems
we’re hemmed in
spinning wheel inside our heads
            knit, purl, cast off
bring it all together
tie off the loose ends
            and cut.