RUG HOOKING
Three women, warmed by a wood stove
And cactus blooming in springtime, handle
Soft wool. One thumb and finger, unseen
Beneath the burlap, locate the next connection.
A dowser’s stick or well bucket, the hook
Goes down and brings up particles of water,
Petals, greenery, clouds or sky. A starling
Flaps at the window, puzzled by plants in pots.
She streaks the race and toss and curl of wave
In wind, the sail tilting, seagulls diving.
Medieval women weaving tapestries,
Nuns embroidering altar cloths, or frontier
Wives quilting Texas stars, they talk
Of coming wars, sickness, healing herbs,
Babies, retirement plans and children’s destinies.
The pup, a fluffy mushroom, sniffs and sneezes.
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