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.

[boblakin]

This evokes good memories. It's good to remember at my age, gives me hope that when I pass, someone might think the same of me.

Boblakin.

[Einstein Noodle]

one can experience wonderful peace and gracefulness as we age ...the really important things do take care of themselves and all those little details add up to naught in reality :) thank you bablakin! will stop by your place soon!
E.

[Ardra Nair]

sorry, i didn't understand! i am just 11... plzz can u explain that shortly???

[Einstein Noodle]

just 11!!!! good for you for being here ... writings can mean many things to many different readers ..the eye of the needle is a verse from the Bible .. Jesus was explaining how hard it is for a rich person to enter heaven because they find it too difficult to give up their riches .. Jesus said it would be harder for them to enter the Kingdom of Heaven than for a camel to fit through the eye of the needle ... in those days the eye of the needle refereed to a small gate in a walled city that camels could not fit through unless they crawled ... this was for the added protection of the city against an army (using camels to ride) from simply riding through a larger gate; but it also allowed commerce to take place allowing camels bearing goods to sell though the "eye" ... anyway ... we used it as a metaphor along with grand mother in her favorite spot .. sewing ... you should look up metaphor if you need to ... the poem mostly reflects on the memories we have of our grandparents and their wisdom and value in old age .. but you have to get what you do from it yourself .. keep reading and writing my new found friend .. i will visit you place for sure!
E.

[Zahra]

Thanks a wonderful explanation E. And thanks for visiting Arda.

[MomzillaNC]

Those places in our lives where grandparents are now those realms of rose colored memory… bittersweet and longing. Your poem has me recalling all those fond memories of my own Gran and Grandpa.

[Zahra]

I think these memories are cherished by our inner child forever. Thanks for reading.

[MomzillaNC]

yvw :)

[Einstein Noodle]

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

[Neville]

These words served to invoke delightful memories of my own Grandmother and her seemingly endless labours. Each single stitch that went into making those quilts of hers still holds fast and true today.

Between you, you have managed to capture something very special

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks so much Neville! its very gratifying that it brought those memories to you ... a real delight working with Zahra .. :)
E.

[Zahra]

so glad that it evoked some precious moments back to your memory

[Matching Socks]

Nice work you guys. Takes me back simpler times.
Memories...

[Einstein Noodle]

how fortunate to have had those simpler times eh!? and retain their memories ...thanks again for stopping to read Ana! and for leaving your impressions :)
E.

[Matching Socks]

I do wish for simpler days. But admittedly I enjoy my modern conveniences.

[Coyote Poetry]

Great song and amazing poetry. The strong description left a lot for the reader to ponder. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks Coyote Man!! your reviews always are an encouragement for me ..much appreciated!
E.

[Zahra]

thank you very much :)

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome.

[Lyn Anderson]

You two collaborate well. We all assume certain people will be there, forever.

[Zahra]

Thank you so very much. And it's strange but, we are never truly prepared for our loved ones to leave. Death is old but it always comes an alien thing upon us.

[Lyn Anderson]

That's why I never resort to "she had a good life etc." So what? I wanted more... time

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks KL! :) i tell mykids to take the time now while we can ...one of my aunts just passed a few weeks ago after just shy of 109 yrs of living ...took care of herself in her own home until a heart attack put her in the hospital ..after a week she was sent home and another week or so later she went Home home :) an incredible lady ... who did have a blessed and marvelous life ..sharp as a tack ... liked Ben Carson in the coming elections ;))
E.

[Unknown Poet]

Very nice.... Makes me to think abt grandma

[Einstein Noodle]

thank you fro reading and your comments ...much appreciated! i always felt close to my grandparents tho we only saw them every two years .... even with gas at 16 cents a gallon during gas wars it was a long and for us expensive ... but every two years was enough to grow in respect and love for them ... thanks again for your review
E.

[Unknown Poet]

You are most welcome .... :)

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

A tasting of things to come for all of us if we are indeed lucky enough to have those that love us, a perfected piece, well done, good read.

[Zahra]

Very true, and thank you

[Einstein Noodle]

and i thank you as well Thomas!
E.