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Quilters of Gee's Bend, Alabama
by
Erle Kelly


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Shadow sharecroppers
work remnants
of marginal soil,
gather remnants
for their toil;
stained faded denim,
thread-bare corduroy,
bleached flour sacks,
color from shirt scraps;
piecing textures
of unexpected patterns,
create warmth
with needles, thimbles, thread;
stitch Courthouse StepsHousetops
and Medallions together,
sing gospel over
stretched communal art.

© by Erle Kelly.
Used with the author's permission.

 

 


Erle Kelly lives in Long Beach, California. A graduate of the state university there, he entered the Navy Air Force after college and became a navigator. After his years in naval service, Erle enjoyed a career in sales and marketing management. After retiring, he tutored at a local elementary school for many years. Today, Erle is active in a poetry writing class and his work has appeared in various online publications. He greatly enjoys his community vegetable garden and cycling, but his greatest joy is when he and his wife spend time with their friends, their four grandchildren, and their three great-grandchildren. 

  

 


Post New Comment:
ldkt:
Wonderful poem! It reminded me of Irene Latham's beautiful novel LEAVING GEE'S BEND. Erle's poem and Irene's novel inspire me to finish the quilt I started long ago.
Posted 09/03/2016 05:13 PM
Lori Levy:
Like the picture this poem creates for me!
Posted 09/03/2016 04:55 PM
Jean Colonomos-1:
Jean Colonomos I'm excited you referenced these remarkable women. Years ago, I saw their quilts hung at the Whitney Museum; the book I bought with photos of their quilts has been a wonderful companion and as a knitter, the patterns inspired a few of my blankets. Thank you.
Posted 09/03/2016 10:44 AM
Newf:
Wonderful picture.
Posted 09/03/2016 08:49 AM
blueskies:
Amazing gathering of words & feelings, Thanks, Erle
Posted 09/03/2016 08:37 AM
rhonasheridan:
Quilting is wonderful. In every way. A sweet little poem.
Posted 09/03/2016 02:16 AM


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