Trends
Come fall, I grudgingly wore
Mother's knitted, polyester-blend scarves
wrapped around my neck, trifold,
knotted in back, hooded jacket squeezed
as if by a python.
Matching mittens if I were lucky,
leftover lengths of yarn cleverly striated;
little did I know the skill involved.
Shawls, cowls, socks, hats
she fashioned, knitting at night,
fireside. It was her therapy,
her creative outlet,
and I complained, wanting fashions
between the covers
of Montgomery Ward & Sears,
not realizing sister and I were wearing
the greatest trend of all;
her love.
by Margaret Bednar, September 27, 2025
My mohter knit until her dying day. I have her last incomplete project - a purple scarf and I cherish it. I have a pair of her mittens - almost too small for my hands - yet I slip them on and hold my face. I have socks she made me and I wore holes in them - I can't throw them out. She did transition to better quality yarn - but when we were kids she didn't have the money.
Happy Fall everyone. It's been a while since I've written poetry and it feels good. Thank you for this space to share and be inspired!