The Spinster

By the warming fire she sat
Wool in a basket at her feet
A shawl around her back
The steady beat of the wheel her music

The beat of the spinning wheel
Joined in with the crackling of the fire
The creaking of a rocking chair
And the rumbling of the cat in her lap

Music to the spinster's ears
As the pile of wool at her feet
Slid through her fingers and was spun
Soft woolen yarn wrapped the bobbin

Winter was upon her and still
She was thankful for all that she had
Her skill was less than some
But it kept her family warm

Yet no ancient maid was she
A modern contridiction
Spinning was her connection
To people of the past

The silent steady rhythmn
Soothed her heart at last
Chased away the busy day
That damped her soul

Warming heart and mind
Spinning, yearning, learning
Harden heart softens
With thoughts of the past

A tangible touch
To all spinsters before her
Her time her place
Their memories

Author's Note

The term spinster derives from spinner. At one time unmarried women were the spinners. They were relied upon to keep enough wool spun to keep their families warm, and to earn a little money as well if they were fast enough to spin more then was needed. The current use of the word is, sadly, derogative. I prefer the older use. A spinster was a industrious single lady that earned her keep.

Reviews

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Wow a wonderful history lesson wrapped in poetry, remembering those who might be forgotten but still a backbone to this country. Thanks for reminding us of the true meaning.

[Emily B]

so much of our ancestresses time was spent in textile production, we are missing that satisfaction in modern life

[G. K. Bostic]

I think my favorite lines are:
Chased away the busy day
That damped her soul

Warming heart and mind
Spinning, yearning, learning

This is a lovely piece and very touching.

[Tony]

You've spun a fine story here-- the detail or the descriptions really made this one live for me. Very warm and edearing write I could feel this lady's feelings for her family and how important this activity is for them.
You really know your spinning!

[Linear]

Fourth stanza, then maybe should be than.

A most enjoyable write, and the explanation of the term Spinster was a delight.
you wove your tale welle spinning wheel whirls in your hands, to weave a tapestry of words, of such beauty

[.]

. overwhelming, norma ... i think this is definitely one of your top five if not your top three ... and the author's note makes this poem even more sublime and timeless ... absolutely ravishing and poignant poetry ... with abundant grace and beauty ...

[OR]

"Her skill was less then some
But it kept her family warm"
Are my fav lines
Nice piece
Keep on the great work
Peace!

[luciddreamer]

This is beautiful write with a beautiful lesson .... love it :)

[Robin]

a wonderful rhythm in this piece .

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

The was a heart warming Poem!