Sheila Jacob

Saving Springtime

Perfect for beginners,
the description read.
I could manage chain stitch,
running stitch, back stitch.
Even french knots were do-able,
if I concentrated.

The needle pricked my fingers.
Silks tangled, refused to part.
I folded away the cloth
until my daughter asked:
How’s your embroidery kit going,
the one I bought you last Christmas?         

It became important, then,
to finish what was started.
To complete a design of leaves
in glowing shades of green:
a forever-springtime,
framed on my winter wall.