Eye of the Needle

a collaboration with Zahra

Eye of the Needle

Grandmother's silvered hair; and

soft fragile skin 

pale loose linen hanging 

leopard spotted drapes over bone

Her place in the room 

(all assumed)

would be there forever; she

shooting the eye of the needle

(camels kneeling to crawl through) 

Polished cane armchair 

stationed so no one dared

move an inch away from the window where

all the tales and patterns were shaped

Fingertips scorched from the needle's alliance

but the gnarled grip on the hoop as careful

as if she were handling her rosary

praying for admittance

Piercing starched fabric

in memories so old 

adding greens, blues and reds

patterning a definite whole 

burying under tulips and boughs

accounts of all seasons spent

the needles eye, like a vortex

sucks the past to void 

and back again.

04/29/2016

Zahra and E. collab.

Author's Note

Reviews

[...]

I never got to know either of my grandmothers, they both died before I was born. I did have on of my grandfathers until I was 8. My moms dad and my favorite. I remember him well, even how he smelled. My dads father lived with us sometimes. He loved old westerns and the Price is Right cuz he loved watching the women run and jump, b***s a bouncing hahaha. I cherish old people, they have so much wisdom to share. This was a seamless and beautiful poem you two. I loved it!

[Einstein Noodle]

thank you so much lynn ... for your kind and generous review ...that it brought memories of your grandfather is precious ..your memories of his scent says a lot about your relationship with him ..i knew my grandparents on my mom's side and have memory (perhaps false) of my grandmother on my dad's side ..i was quite young when she died ... thank you again for visiting ..it means a lot!
E.

[Sharon L.H. Kelly]

A poignant and reminiscent piece, the imagery is amazing and the collaboration is in sync. Kudos!

[Einstein Noodle]

thank you Sharon! not sure i know you yet ...will stop by your pages soon ..and nice to meet you! i appreciate your encouraging remarks ..glad you found this one!
E.

[Lydia Shutter]

The two of you blend ink beautifully. Not sure whose grandmother this was describing, but I could picture her by the window, doing needlework, telling stories of her life that she hoped would be passed on. A wonderful collaboration. Lydi**

[Zahra]

I think she's everybody's grandmother, haha, thank you very much Lydia.

[Einstein Noodle]

yes ...everyones Gramma for sure ;) and i thank you as well Lydia .. much appreciate all your support
E.

[Gee]

Beautifully written. Never knew my grandmother but having been dragged up in a small village, in bred country, she could well have been my uncle.

[Einstein Noodle]

sounds like a colorful history my friend :) i am trying to place and imagine that small village ..so many in the world to choose from ... one of my grandfathers is not known to me and it always is a wish that i could have ..but my appreciation for those i did is magnified by it ... i would be overfull if all my aunts and uncles brothers sisters moms and dads were my granny ;) peace and joy Gee! thank you so much for your visit and leaving your review .. makes me smile
E.

[Alfred Kukitz]

The poem filled with lines of beauty and elegance. The story unfolded with unexpected surprise. Two minds blended into a toast to the writers.

Regards,
Al

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks Al! and best regards back at ya! ... Zahra is so much fun to work with .. inspires to no end! love and peace brother
E.

[Sami Khalil]

They enrich our lives with their love and wisdom. Their crafts and sacrifices leave an indelible marks on our lives.
You both did an excellent job in conveying this truth.

[Einstein Noodle]

thank you sir ...Grams are the best :) ... Zahra has always been such a pleasure and honor to work with ... WC is wondrous in that way as Zahra lives far over the oceans from me :) thanks again Sami! for taking time here
E.

[Sami Khalil]

All true. You are welcome, both.....:))))

[Zahra]

than you Sami :)

[Sami Khalil]

:)))))))))...........

[Moonie]

The beauty lies in the fact that this poem really makes me remember my grandmas...the way their body feels when they hug you to sleep, or the way their wardrobe smells....that's just beautiful... You've given words to so many indescribable emotions and moments....a brilliant collab!! :*

[Einstein Noodle]

Moon's fairest!!! you are back and back again;) happy to see you so i am stopping by your place right away ..so glad you were enriched with great thoughts of your grandmothers ... they are such an important part of our lives and most always a bright spot of kind, gentle, patient love ...your review has made me really think about the smells connected with my grandparents ... they a long past and usually i only think of how they looked and where they lived when we visited ... bless you my friend!
E.

[Zahra]

thanks a lot!

[Centipedle]

I never knew my grandmother's but this poem makes me feel like ho they would be. Now my aunt Kathy mother is still around but she doesn't sew. I like this poem. Pen on!

[Einstein Noodle]

thank you for the visit Centipedle ... nice to meet you here on my streets! hope you will find other corners and alleys that appeal ..;) will return the visit for sure!
E.

[Einstein Noodle]

ps Grandparents can play a huge role in our young (and older) lives ..i am glad your aunt Kathy has significance in your life ...families are the ramparts that bolster and sustain our lives if they stick together in positive prayer and love ;)

[SleeplessVolcano]

Ney buddy....great poem.....inspired me to start a poem containing a camel foo....:)

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahaha! love it ...i will be looking for your camel poem ... they are such an odd, cantankerous misbehaved animal :))
E.

[andrew mitchell]

My grandmother would knit listening to the radio or just humming a tune, they had no tv

[Einstein Noodle]

yes!! song went into each scarf, doily, afghan or whatever didn't it .. humming a tune ..wonderful memories you have sir! thank you for reading and sharing your impressions
E.

[gabrielle]

This reminded me of my own grandmother who usually spent her time sewing. And for reasons i would not know she would likewise starch clothes and i do not particularly like it as it feels uncomfortable.. We had misunderstandings due to generation gap but she had been the best. When she passed away, my heart knew that she went straight to heaven. Reading this makes me miss my childhood days..

[Einstein Noodle]

your review has made me smile ..there is a generation that starched everything :) all scratchy and stiff but sure smelled clean eh!? shirts hung on lines like cardboard ... i am happy you recognized your gap with your granny ... and enjoyed her company while she remained ... thank you for your visit and taking time to review ..much appreciated
E.