Seeing Red

(with apologies to Jack)

1. This 

is the quilt that I doubted.



2. These

are the scraps all tattered and torn
from 26 prints
in shades of orange, pink and red

that

became the quilt that I doubted.



3. These

are the tools with edges worn
that I used to cut 271 pieces all tattered and torn
from 26 prints
in shades of orange, pink and red

that became

the quilt that I doubted.


4. This

is the thumb of crumpled form
that caused subconscious delays
and visited three different orthopedists,
with each his own say
of why it hurt the hand
to grip the tools with edges worn
that cut 271 pieces all tattered and torn
from 26 prints
in shades of orange, pink and red

that became

the quilt that I doubted.



5. These

are the notes from memory sworn
after I lost the magazine pattern not once but twice --
and, unable to find it at the library anymore --
had to guess
what dimensions to
guide the tools with edges worn
to cut 271 pieces all tattered and torn
from 26 prints
in shades or orange, pink and red

that became

the quilt that I doubted.


6. This

is my workplace forlorn:
a typical scene that I had to clean
before I could set up my sewing machine
and stitch 271 pieces all tattered and torn
from 26 prints
in shades of orange, pink and red

into

the quilt that I doubted.


7. This

is a card with pictures adorned
from my dear daughter Elise
who made a little booklet all about me,
(now destined to become family lore)

that made me wonder exactly what vibe I gave off
as I assembled 271 pieces all tattered and torn
from 26 prints
in shades of orange, pink and red

into

the quilt that I doubted.


Hmm ...

But!

8. This

My family with Brooklynn and my brother Matt on their wedding day, Sept. 30, 2009. My parents, Kyle, Brooklynn, Matt, my brother Jeff holding 2-week-old Greenliee, Madison. Front: Samuel on my lap, Elise, James, Emma. Not pictured are my brother Josh and my husband Jeff (on a business trip), and sadly, my brother Ben who died earlier that year. 

is the couple in matrimony formed
who inspired the quilt

and who, in the 32 months it took me to complete their gift (so pathetic!),
celebrated their second anniversary
and a sweet baby born,

her name Ruby Rose itself shades of pink and red,

a baby girl blessed to come 

to a wonderful couple

whose love for each other

I have never once doubted.