Robyn Landis: Hear Music
Knitting
I wish someone would knit me something
Like my friends have
heirloom grace
Thick cable sweater
shield against weather
itchy woolly warm embrace
It could be ugly
I wouldn't mind
I just want that fabric
behind me
Long hours Stiff fingers
Heart labor Fuzzy things
Something to remind me...
Aunt or mother,
sister cousin
Grandma made it all by hand
Furry woollens
By the dozen
Each one of a kind
It’s just a sweater
it’s just a cap
but I want someone to knit me something like that
Katie’s scarf is pink and green
it isn’t all that flattering
She wear it for her Aunt Gertrude
if I had Gertrude I would too
It says “stay warm” and “I love you”
and “wear your coat and mittens too”
and “you’re my girl’ “you look pretty in that”
“at Christmas I’ll make you a matching hat”
Aunt or mother,
sister cousin
Grandma made it all by hand
She could buy them
But she doesn't
she has time and love to spend
It’s just a sweater
it’s just a cap
but I want someone to knit me something like that
It wouldn’t be perfect
But that would be fine
It couldn’t be replaced
And it would be especially mine
Stitches and yarns
weave and mingle
wrap around the lucky girl
Tie us together
shield against weather
A permanent hug in a cold cold world
I can bake, but I never knit
Maybe I should learn to do it
Give a fluffy gift to me
instead of yearning for what cannot be
And maybe I would make something for someone
who also lacks a thread like this
but still I guess I will always wish
for my very own hand me down family gift
Aunt or mother,
sister cousin
Grandma made it all by hand
It’s a language
made of color
generations understand
It’s just a sweater
it’s just a cap
but I want someone to knit me something
I want someone to knit me something
I want someone to knit me something like that