Stitches, one after another, become the fabric, the stuff of life.
The hands of the artisan grow old and slow,
and still the pattern unfolds.
Changes come, direction reversed, and the
stitches are altered.
No matter; they yet follow what’s
been woven before.
The hands falter; the count is lost. With a glance back,
the pattern is recalled.
Dropped stitches picked up, the passage ahead is
clear once more.
Through the whole of our lives the fabric is crafted,
with integrity, one would hope.
But, with or without, the cloth unfolds,
one day to become the narrative of a life.
What will be read in my history? Perhaps the tale will be a warm wrap,
shielding from the numbing cold.
But then again—as likely—a rag, suited only to mop up filth.
Choices today determine utility tomorrow.
Stitches, one after another, become the fabric,
the stuff of life.
The hands of the artisan grow old and slow,
and still the pattern unfolds.
“The righteous who walks in his integrity–blessed are his children after him!”
(Proverbs 20:7 ~ ESV)
“Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.”
(Saint Augustine ~ Ancient Roman Christian theologian, Bishop of Hippo ~ 354-430)
© Paul Phillips. He’s Taken Leave. 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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Lovely, Paul! This could be a metaphor for living a Christian life, writing a novel, letting a poem find its own pattern, or other possibilities God brings to mind. Regardless what that happens to be, I suspect other members of our Christian Poets & Writers group on Facebook will appreciate your poetic words, so I’ll highlight your post on the Christian Poets & Writers blog – http://christianpoetsandwriters.blogspot.com . God bless.
Thank you Mary! I love to dig into the meaning and origin of different words. In looking at the etymology of the word “integrity”, I see that it is certainly apropos to the fabric metaphor. The whole requires consistency to be useful. I’m still learning and practicing. Blessings to you and yours!
Yes, sometimes, what goes on the page just goes on the page, but, sometimes, what God lays on the heart ends up on the page as well. This was beautiful. Keep writing whatever God puts on your heart. Thanks for sharing your lovely words.
Thanks Nells! You are right. I never want to stand in the way of the message He has. I appreciate your kind encouragement!