Poem by Laurie Wagner Buyer
Personal – December 1998 – Colorado Central Magazine
Until I Run Out of Thread
Like an old coat
I’ve outgrown you
stretched in a different direction
until the seams of our marriage
pull tight, near to splitting,
and the sleeves of our loving
are too short, leaving me
exposed and cold, unprotected.
Yet I smile putting you on
letting your latent warmth
settle across my shoulders,
letting your rich earthy smell
take me back to the days
when we fit together like hands
clasped in perfect sized gloves.
New coats cram the front
of my heart’s closet
but still I reach far
to the back for you —
my favorite, my most
comfortable companion.
I stitch your raveling hem
mend your torn cuffs
patch your worn collar;
I will labor to keep you
whole and close
until I run out of thread.
©1998 Laurie Wagner Buyer