Priscilla, a Tentmaker

Tents are not silk dresses.
They need straight stitches, yes,
but not so much embroidery.

Gauge the fabric’s bones,
determine where to push needle
through thick weave with calloused thumb
to join and reinforce canvas panels.
Consider the needs
of those who will live within,
what must come readily to hand
when it’s too dark to see. 
Imagine yourself
as one who dwells in tents,
stranger to permanence,
ever yearning for home.

It’s not fancywork,
but it’s a good job for those with time
and a desire to build.

• Read more of my poetry at www.facebook.com/latterdaysaintpoetry

• Contact me at merrijane.rice@gmail.com