the silver shuttle

for Kerry's contest

Hand in hand, they saw the silver shuttle in the glass case in the antique market.

He noticed how her eyes shined and she held her breath a little--

how she marvelled at the scroll work on the silver tool.

He went back later and got it for her, a present to remember the day by.

Weeks flew by and she learned to make the knots and loops

patterns of rings and chains for lace frivolité.

Her fingers learned to maneuver the shuttle and the thread little by little.

Some days her threads are still tentative, her knots askew.

Time continues on in swirling patterns that curve and scroll just like the lines on the silver shuttle.

Eventually the pattern will come out right.

Reviews

[...]

. oh ... gosh ... what a beautiful piece, emily ... what a scene ... this is that amazingly unforgettable song of the heart ... your vulnerability is your strength ... your poetry is straight out of your soul ... oh, this is such a beautiful piece ...

[White Ink]

interesting and creative.. well done.

[Chris]

a lot of people wish for do-overs... few get them

[C. Harter Amos]

You reminded me of my aunt who used a silver shuttle to do her tatting. I could sit for hours watching her deft fingers making such sturdy lace as that. The piece is filled with love: for the polished tool, for the craft, the people for each other...Thank you.

[Kerry O'Connor]

You have captured a very special moment here, Emily.. and clearly the object attained a two-fold importance: as a tool which leant itself to art and as a gift given with love and understanding...

I find your words to be most poignant: Time continues on in swirling patterns that curve and scroll just like the lines on the silver shuttle.

Thank you for entering your work in the Sunday Challenge #5

[Jūdan FyreHeart]

This is so beautifully crafted, the soft philosophy behind it is lovely.

[zig]

i have no idea what a shuttle refers to in this poem, a sewing instrument i would guess. i love the sentiment in this, very subtle and carefully worded (and love the long lines, added much to the fine texture of this. enjoyed very much.

zig

[lostboy]

someone took time to create a masterpiece that still gives joy..

[arbitrary jane]

isnt it amazing how our stumbling efforts - tentative and askew, can once in a while occasion beauty?
a beautiful token to choose for the contest.
i love that he noticed.
and went back.

it was worth it.