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The Universe

by Carol Smallwood  

It must be true: the Universe has no edge or center as I've read
so it brings me security to make patchwork quilts at night;
it makes sense to cut up pieces to sew with needle and thread.

"You are not lonely when you sew," Grandmother often said
as she sewed apron after apron with evident delight;
It must be true: the Universe has no edge or center as I've read.

Other activities most likely should have been my stead:
quilt after quilt I've made at night sitting straight, upright:
it makes sense to cut up pieces to sew with needle and thread.

Mixing pattern with plain, varying width until ready for bed,
securing the needle easy to spot on a piece extra bright ─
it must be true: the Universe has no edge or center as I've read.

Fleece, flannel, denim have made many a patchwork spread
and those who receive them do express thanks forthright:
it makes sense to cut up squares to sew with needle and thread.

I've concluded I'll have no edge or center when I'm dead
and finding security sewing squares is better than fright.
It must be true: the Universe has no edge or center as I've read
it makes sense to cut up pieces to sew with needle and thread.

Previously published in Sheepshead Review, Fall 2011, Vol. 33, No. 1

By Carol Smallwood

Carol Smallwood has written over four dozen books, including Women on Poetry: Writing, Revising, Publishing and Teaching listed in Poets & Writers Magazine as a Best Book for Writers. Bringing the Arts into the Library (American Library Association) is her most recent anthology. Divining the Prime Meridian (WordTech Editions); Women, Work, and the Web: How the Web Creates Entrepreneurial Opportunities (Scarecrow Pres): Writing After Retirement: Tips by Successful Retired Writers (Scarecrow Press), are forthcoming. Carol has founded and supports humane societies and has received multiple Pushcart Prize nomination. She began writing poetry or fiction after retirement and going back to college to take classes in creative writing. Her e-mail address: