Max, it is a beautiful poem. Once the picture is established you let it rise
in the last two couplets to be an exultant song. Thank you - great.
Andrew
2009/11/4 Sheila Murphy <[log in to unmask]>
> Max, you have made a lovely piece here, and the word "Singer" is employed
> to
> fine effect. The restraint shown in the poem creates a very beautiful and
> tender feeling, certainly for this reader.
>
> Thank you, Sheila
>
> On Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 4:59 PM, Max Richards <[log in to unmask]> wrot
> exultant poem. e:
>
> > Old Singer Sewing Machine
> >
> >
> > This snap of an old black one is handsome,
> > but Mother’s was prettier, with flowers –
> >
> > my hands touched her feet working the treadle
> > driving the big lower wheel turning
> >
> > with its loop, a thin strip of leather,
> > sending its turning up to the small wheel.
> >
> > Singer, I’d say to myself, while the musical
> > hum of it speeded up then slowed.
> >
> > The shiny flat rectangle the needle entered,
> > that slid open and shut – under it
> >
> > the tiny shiny reel of cotton she refilled –
> > her finicky threading of the needle –
> >
> > my fear of its downward stroke so sharp.
> > Afternoons, mother’s feet working the treadle.
> >
> > A shadow mother at a shadow Singer
> > sewed shadows by the real one in the sun.
> >
> > Her shadow treadle seesawed against the treadle.
> > Her real slippers, soft to touch, glowed gold.
> >
> >
> > Max Richards
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------
> > This email was sent from Netspace Webmail: http://www.netspace.net.au
> >
>
--
Andrew
'Beyond City Limits', pub. ICLL @ ECU, available at topnotch indie bookshops
- list at http://hispirits.blogspot.com/
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