THE TAPESTRY OF ME
BY SARAH TONIN
Threads of blue and black form the edges
and begin the border of my quilt
representing the kid who lacked a childhood,
everyday living with fear or guilt.
stepping into womanhood but having to fill the
role of a parent to my sister's instead
forced me to grow up quicker than others my age,
as I grab another piece of thread.
Green and yellow are the colors I choose this time,
showing how much I've grown.
Getting a degree a home and a career — through effort
and hard work, I got them all on my own
I've got a few patches that I've been sewn together, taken
apart and sewn back again.
Just like the relationships that broke me, were
mended or the people I slowly let back in.
My quilt currently sits unfinished while I'm in prison,
there are areas that have become a bit frayed,
waiting to be completed when I get home … by using
brighter colors, a nod to internal improvements I have made.
Pink for love, orange faith, silver for trust and
a shimmering purple signifying hope.
Weaving each stitch with a personal promise to remain
honest allowing myself to heal and cope.
mismatched colors of fabric and thread, tells my
life’s story through every square.
some were bad some were good, but all served
a purpose — each one meant to be there
it may not be the prettiest blanket but it's warm
and every inch holds a memory.
I find comfort in the journey my quilt tells now
the tapestry of me. | ST