American River Review 2019 - Flipbook - Page 60
Stitching
Emma Harris
Stitching a red-threaded seam through paper,
over guidelines straight the needle traces,
as the line zig-zags, begins to taper,
flawed but following, my needle paces.
At first, my mother kept a careful eye
on me, delivered the odd correction.
She’s taught me some how, wherefore and why—
there remains but a final inspection.
She trained me how to sew, to do all things
with care in every deed. Yet even so,
between me and her, there have been failings.
My seams depart from the guideline. I know
I am seen as a reflection of her;
I strive to sew straight seams for my mother.
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American River Review
