La poétesse

 

(for Sally Sellers)

 

Like a fading piece of cloth
I am a failure

 

No longer do I cover tables filled with food and laughter
My seams are frayed my hems falling my strength no longer able
To hold the hot and cold

 

I wish for those first days
When just woven I could keep water
From seeping through
Repelled stains with the tightness of my weave
Dazzled the sunlight with my
Reflection

 

I grow old though pleased with my memories
The tasks I can no longer complete
Are balanced by the love of the tasks gone past

 

I offer no apology only
this plea:

 

When I am frayed and strained and drizzle at the end
Please someone cut a square and put me in a quilt
That I might keep some child warm

 

And some old person with no one else to talk to
Will hear my whispers

 

And cuddle
near

 

Ici : https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poet/nikki-giovanni