Threads of Life

This nostalgic poem was written especially for us by Suzanne Kelsey.

Suzanne is a very talented lady, and writes poetry about many poignant subjects; you can read more of her poetry, by clicking on the link next to her  Bio, marked Latest Posts.

Threads of Life

My mum had a very special tin
With graceful ballet dancers on display
Inside a treasure trove of bits and pieces
That would always save the day

Buttons of every colour, shape and size
Pretty pearly ones that sparkled and shone
Large cheeky red ones and classy tortoiseshell
Yes there was always a button for everyone

Bias binding too in there, I really liked that name
It puts the finishing touches to all we do 
It takes us to the very edge
Completing it perfectly just for you

Then there are the many zips
That hold us all together
Long and short for any garment
Suitable for all types, cotton, lace and leather

And always to be found in there
Are the safety pins that are mandatory
Don’t forget to take one out with you
In case of a sudden emergency

Talking of which there is the white elastic
That was a must for giving you confidence
Keeping us totally safe and sound
Its importance was immense

A large bold kilt pin takes pride of place 
Although we no longer have the tartan skirt
Long ago outgrown and passed on
But there it is next to buttons from a well-loved shirt

I loved the smoothness and the smell
Of the tailor’s chalk with its quirky and unique design
Making a temporary mark on a garment 
To make it fit neatly and look divine 

There are needles with big eyes and little ones
For fine sewing or a hasty repair
Lovingly chosen for the perfect job
And executed with skill and care

A tape with feet and inches on 
Will definitely get the measure of you 
The length, the width and the height
Has to be so precise too

Scissors both tiny and large
For cutting and shaping our dreams
Creating an outline of our desires
The basic pattern of life so it seems 

Threads of beautiful silk and cotton
That reflect the very essence of our being 
The vital threads of life that bind us altogether
I am sure you know exactly what I mean 

Yes there is a lot to be learnt from mum’s old rusty tin 
With the graceful ballet dancers on display
About love, perseverance, patience and respect
The art of taking time and not to simply throw it all away.

©Suzanne Kelsey 2013