Tapestry Poem by Kathy Lippard Cobb

(For Sara Teasdale)

Her words, a tapestry of brilliant colors—
topaz, silver, crimson, and indigo.

Each thread tightly woven, creating lifescapes
with her hypnotic loom.

My fingers trace the cloth, memorizing its texture,
shape, and tightness of weave.

Afraid that should I press my fingers too hard,
it would muddle the colors, upsetting
the delicate balance of innocence,
romanticism, and cynicism.

Wrapping it around me like a cloak,
I feel sheltered from the coldness and cruelty
of the outside world.

She will forever linger in my mind, my heart,
and on my fingers...

Never to be forgotten.