Catherine Westwood
Tapestry
He has returned
He is back
With me
For me?
For money?
Will he stay?
Will he go?
I cannot decide
I cannot think
I can only sew
Tapestry needle in
Tapestry needle out
In
Out
Over
Under
Remembering, remembering
/ / / /
Father thought I was ugly
Morris thought I was beautiful
One gave existence and a home
The other offered life and a ring
Existence or life
Drudgery or romance
I decided then
I cannot decide now
/ / / /
Elopement
/ / / /
Abandonment
/ / / /
/ / / /
I hear the needle
Tearing through the canvas
Tearing apart my heart
Wool pulling in the holes
Pain dragging in my heart
I have nearly finished
I will decide at the end
He should be here at the end
End of a tapestry?
End of a life?
Life is woven, stitched and embroidered
Has this thread ended?
Where is the new colour?
What will it do?
Blend into the old image?
Create a bright new one?
Finished
Ended
Completed
It is done
He is here
Morris is pounding at the door
Beating at my heart to open
Step, step
Decide, decide
Wife?
Spinster?
Yes?
No?
Hello?
Goodbye?
Pounding, calling
Stepping up stairs
Goodbye
Farewell
The thread is ended
Finished and cut
No more tapestry, no more life.
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