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Listen As She Sews

Missing image
by ~Gregg Rowe~

She sits
hunches over her Singer
sewing machine
fabricates
a three-by-six foot
panel

Cloth-
colors
listen,

as the sewing machine
sings
stitches a life

Sand seeps in
as the sea wind
whispers
onto the shore,

listen

as the waves
whoosh in

Cloth and sand
another human
has passed on

Listen
as she sews--

 The Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt    
www.aidsquilt.org

Author notes

Please do not use the background on this page unless it is specifically for a ' The Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt ' poem or writing.

The photograph is the last time the Quilt was displayed in its entire entity, it filled the complete Ellipse Park in front of the White House (Washington, D. C.) in 1999, now each country looks after their own panels and will be collected by the Foundation and erected in a museum when AIDS has been eradicated.

I wrote this poem in 1989, thinking of my diagnosis of HIV, viewing the quilt, and wondering if my mother would be sewing my quilt in the near future.

Written December 1st, 1989

In a list

A contest entry

What did you think

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Comments

1 - 49 of 49

  • capricornpoet
    July 15, 2005
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    colors in a blanket as lifes stitchings

    This was wonderful and subliminal, of sand and mother and the
    sounds of waves on the sea shore,as life comes and goes ..
    I could feel love and comfort of a mother .
    Here a reminiscing poet in a dream muse of better times .


  • HeavenScent4U
    February 19, 2005
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    This is a truly beautiful poem. So heartfelt and the imagery was great too. You really are an inspiration to your cause. Be Well and Be Blessed.

  • Frost Bit Rose
    January 22, 2005
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    very beautiful.a very lovly peace.

  • coyotebebop
    January 17, 2005
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    Marvelous

    Very beautiful...I viewed one of the first quilts. This poem expresses something that i cant even begin to name. It is the same feeling i had looking at all of those names and pictures on the quilt. Like a beauty that I haven't enough honor to touch.


  • Hearta
    December 20, 2004
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    :(

    omg this was amazing.... *sigh* i have to look away.. i'm trying not to be sad.. beautiful.... beautifully written and represented (sad tho)


  • Poetprncess
    December 20, 2004
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    Oh My... This is elegant, beautiful...poetry at its best! Good luck in the contest... Quite an admirable poem... Best Regards, Liz

  • Danaqt72
    October 23, 2004
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    What a wonderful ending! I love the style and the free verse, which seems to come so natural to you. The colors and picture went beautifully with the poem.

    Sand seeps in
    as the sea wind
    whispers
    onto the shore,
    listen

    I would love to see the word "listen" seperated from this line and as just 'one'. It would really stand out nicely.

    Sand seeps in
    as the sea wind
    whispers
    onto the shore,

    listen

    Yes!!

    Great read, lord.

  • bowie
    September 8, 2004
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    great

    very touching. It captured the emotion I think most be felt very greatly. It shows real talent. Keep up the good work!


  • anyonita jenea
    August 11, 2004
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    passion is evident, you capture it so easily in your writing-i admire you


  • wishintreeUK
    August 8, 2004
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    Beautiful

    Excellent imagery, I have always thought it wonderful that many people could and would all contribute to making a quilt... each individual sewing their hopes and dreames into a cover which would give joy to the recepient. Many hours of ones time given into a labour of love.. this has always reminded me somehow of a chain of hands, coming full circle iin a labour of love... a beautiful poem Gregg... well done!! ~Katie~

  • Elfgiva
    July 27, 2004
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    im crying from reading your poems ... i dont know what to say but to quote my mother 'bless your heart'
    ~elf

  • Dream A Nightmare
    June 14, 2004
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    I am young, i do not know much, but i do know this is a wonderful poem. I loved it, and it's truly beautiful. Lordoftherings, ah got my eye, im a fan of lotr

    vicky


  • May 28, 2004
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    wonderful!!!

    I could hear the sewing machine just humming along never stopping as this dread plague continues on and on. It is growing and especially in the so-called third world although the drug companies have relented in some part to sell the drugs needed to survive this dreaded disease. It is called the "stick disease" which I am sure you know because people become so very thin while in the actual disease phase. I loved the poem and it isn't because I knew so many people who passed away from this or that so many are HIV positive. It is because it is a disease that knows no friends or foes and kills women, men, teens, children and babies. Wonderful poem...


  • lordoftherings gold member
    May 19, 2004
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    One day I will write about this experinece, and also I have to quit writing <one day<...but it was the most powerful art exhibition I have ever attended as an International Representative for my Province and my Country. Ranking up there as moments I cherish the most in my life is meeting the Queen of England as a Flight Sergeant Warrant Class I when I was in the Air Cadets 747 Squadron (18), having lunch with Sven Robinson (gay Member of Parliament for Canada for lunch to explain my causes and issues on AIDS as a person iving with the virus) and meeting Princess Di at an AIDS Hospice in London, England and had tea with her. Yet, thi sone is ironed in my mind and every time I try to write about it, after all these years the pain is great so I have to let it internalize, it will be up in the near future though. Gregg

  • Apparition
    May 19, 2004
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    Staggering the toll of this disease. I wonder at the stories of strength and courage that each square represents. Your poem is a beautiful tribute.
    Maddie

  • Open Eyes
    May 19, 2004
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    Wow. I'm listening. To be sure, I'm listening.


  • Mari Goes gold member
    May 12, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    I can't sew, but my mother used to say that to sew a piece of cloth gave te kind of feeling as if she was 'renewing' the person to whom that cloth was meant for.
    To renew and give new hope, to dress a person with a smile, maybe that is why the Quilt does.
    This poem is so wonderful in its simplicity, and that isn't an easy thing to accomplish.
    A very pleasant read it was, thanks Gregg!
    Mari


  • -theheartofme-
    May 11, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    i started telling you about anthony. before anthony and his family came to town, my mother was very ill-informed about aids. as much as i tried to tell her that it wasnt a disease to "punish gay men" as was being portrayed in the media and the churches, she would not listen.

    A family from west virginia moved into our area, and joined my mothers sorority. they didnt know at first that the beautiful baby boy they all fell in love with, had been diagnosed with hiv. As i said, he had a heart surgery at the age of three days, and received tainted blood.

    They were going to a local church and when they were told that anthony had been diagnosed, the pastor actually did a sermon about how the family was being punished for wrongdoings.

    My mother, the one who had been so, convinced that aids was punishment for "unbiblical" things, suddenly started reading everything she could get her hands on. and the letter she wrote to that church was amazing.

    Anthony touched all of our lives, and made the disease a reality, for my mother and her sorority sisters. since then they have worked with fundraisers and the like.

    anthony's mother became a pediatric nurse and works on the aids ward, comforting other children who, like anthony, are the light in someones eyes.

    that is why i am so stricken by your work at being a buddy. i know what it does to connie at times, and i can only imagine what it does to you...

    you make my heart smile.


  • Amunet Wolfbane Moderators member
    May 8, 2004
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    Beautifully done, I love the format of this piece. The imagery was outstanding and the cause...well I can think of none better, support is needed and there are many to remember that have suffered and died from this horrible disease. People know so little of it and I think half the world lives in fear of it and the other half think it's just a word, never stopping to see what that word means or how it effects lives and the world in which we live. Once again I commend you on your conviction on writing about this and the beauty and reality in which you do it. BRAVO!!!!

  • ProdigalPoet
    May 4, 2004
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    Very nicely done. You weave the words together really well, and it has a general aura of sadness to it. I feel sorry for your condition, and hope there is a cure found before you are permanantly damaged from it. Again, you are fully in my prayers. -Daniel


  • Dawnknight
    May 4, 2004
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    I was their and I loved the experience so much, this is beautiful vivid picture I really enjoyed this very much. Great job, keep it up, and thanks for sharing.

  • lordoftherings gold member
    May 4, 2004
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    A lot of people ask me and I don't know how to respond, I get a feeling, an image and I just ride with it, wherever it takes me, sometimes the road is beautiful, sometimes I go into the depths of my abyss, and sometimes I reach a balance, I think, but each peom is a treasure to me that I want to share with you...
    Edited on May 04, 11:37 p.m. because ''.


  • lovehateandtears
    May 4, 2004
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    Gegg, Im impressed. Most people wouldnt think that something as simple as this could mean so much more.. and thats exactly how this poem is. Its amazing,,, I dont know how you do it! I applaud you for your excelence.

    Kayla Dawn

  • lordoftherings gold member
    May 3, 2004
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    Hi Dani, I am Gregg and thank you for your comment, sometimes I wonder what my comments leave as an impression, (sometimes I feel I critique too much), i am hoping that I am teaching at the same time I am learning...will be watching out for you and your writes in the future
    Edited on May 04 because ''.


  • Runawaytrain
    May 3, 2004
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    fabricates... love the way you used this word in this piece.

    stitches a life... this put a lump in my throat.

    I saw one of your critiques on a poem I was commenting on, and I was impressed. I am also impressed by the subject of this poem, and your minimalistic approach to it. In a subject so emotional, a person may be inclined to fill the lines with their feelings, but sometimes, less is more, and what you wrote really says it all.

    I am Dani, and I am happy to "meet" you.


  • dottedmyeyes
    May 3, 2004
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    really simple, beautiful, elegant, whatever you want to call it... go look in a thesaurus for more words lol its a really pretty poem is all i can really say. and thought-provoking. great write. i always love to need short and original poems


  • BeautifulContradiction
    May 3, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Aw, wow,

    Very touching and beautiful!


  • misselaineous
    May 3, 2004
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    lovely, brave and beautiful and thats just the quilt ... and the poem is pretty fine too
    xxxxxxxx

  • lordoftherings gold member
    May 3, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    I don't know about enjoy writing it , it was therpuetic, I was thinking of my Mom and wondering if she would have to make me one in the future. Soul-searching but glad it is out! At least I can come to the piece and contemplate.

  • Green-Eyed-Goddess
    May 3, 2004
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    Super that was a really great poem I liked it a lot I hope you enjoyed writing it


  • pink-roses gold member
    May 3, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    The use of caesuras and enjambment in this poem mean that it flows really beautifully. Nice unusual theme too, which made it interesting to read. I agree with Cookie, its very sensitive. A beautiful poem, well done
    pinkxxx


  • lordoftherings gold member
    May 3, 2004
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    Wow no one called me a breeder before smile thank you for you comments and support applaud


  • CookieZeal Greeters member
    May 3, 2004
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    In your sensitivity, this is so very beautiful, polished and effective to a shining purpose.

    You've got one great one here.
    Thank you for breeding a line of masterpieces in this subject matter. Warmly, CookieZeal/D


  • FifthDove
    May 3, 2004
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    OMG. This is beautiful. I wasn't expecting the beauty
    of this poem from the title. I love the title too, don't get me wrong. But... Gregg.... This IS awesomeeeeeee.
    Love ya
    FifthDove


  • Redstormy gold member
    May 3, 2004
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    This is a beautiful tribute and it literally gave me bumps as I read it. I have a very close friend that is dying of aids. Awesome tribute I am glad I discovered it.

    Red


  • GlassSlippers
    May 3, 2004
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    wow- what an incredible picture, and the sad seamstress in your poem, too. I can't grasp that much loss, and I'm grateful I can't. -Glass

  • tiredtears
    May 3, 2004
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    this is a beauiful and touching poem.. I really like the subject matter and it is such a wonderful thing to do the quilt I mean.. Keep up the awesome writing.
    ~tiredtears~


  • May 3, 2004
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    oh no gregg...god help us

  • lordoftherings gold member
    May 3, 2004
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    When it was last displayed in its entity it was the size of twenty football fields in length and width, and will never be shown that size again. It was too profound and emotional, even for us professional caregivers but the experience itself still stays within my heart and I fully continue to support this project internationally...at least American politicians could not stop this project no matter how hard they tried...the public spoke and the creators are heroes in my book.
    Edited on May 03, 10:46 because ''.


  • May 3, 2004
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    you are right gregg...i wouldn't want to. don't think anyone would. wonder how large the quilt would be today...sigh.


  • MagicLady silver member
    May 3, 2004
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    **sigh** Cheryl


  • gloomy
    May 3, 2004
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    This is a very good write, brings everything to life,..I take that back, a great write, thanks for writing so, you are always so open with your feelings, and you just seem to make everyone feel the way they are suppose to about the poem, you are by far, one of the best poets I have read pieces by on Allpoetry.com


  • jenneddin silver member
    May 3, 2004
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    This is hauntingly beautiful... I feel like a coward saying so, but I would fall apart just seeing a corner of this quilt.. You've made it alive enough for me in this poem.... Very well done poet

  • lordoftherings gold member
    May 3, 2004
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    You wouldn't want to visit it in its entity, I went to volunteer as an International Guest for my country and fell apart on the second day, yet at the same time I stayed the full week and the Quilt has a power to heal the sorrrow, but the tears have to fall first.
    Edited on May 03, 9:09 because ''.


  • May 3, 2004
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    haven't seen the quilt yet...only a few individual ones. cannot imagine what it would be like to see the scene in your pic...how does one look at something like that, and not fall apart? hate to think what it would look like today, if every nation put them all together...especially adding the pandemic in africa and asia. i shudder to think...
    this is brilliant gregg...understated, yet very powerful.
    ~liz


  • Anubis
    May 3, 2004
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    You captured the moment very well my friend. The quilt is beautiful and I agree with JennyLee, your analogies are very well. A shame your mother refuses to help because of religious limitations. I'm a religious person myself, but i wouldn't let that stop me from helping any and everyone. If I had a hand at sewing, I'd help you myself. But, I have no sewing skills whatsoever. But the write was beautiful.

  • JennyLee
    May 3, 2004
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    I vaguely remember hearing about the Aids Quilt. Your poem really brings it to life. I liked your analogies and was surprised by the graphics! The project really puts the pain in perspective.

    Jennifer

  • lordoftherings gold member
    May 3, 2004
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    Thank you , I was hoping that I captured the essence of the moment faithfully, my mother is a seamstress and she would never volunteer for an organization like this because of her religious convictions, but one day I am hoping that I can persuade her to use her talents.


  • Terry-too silver member
    May 3, 2004
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    Evocative

    I too have in my time, used several versions of Singer from treadle to zigzag, and know how the thoughts pass as stitches under the foot. This is therefore far more realistic than a non-seamstress could know. In memoriam. --Dee

1 - 49 of 49