Knitting a Prayer Shawl

Knit. Knit. Knit.

Purl. Purl. Purl.

It's a prayer shawl.

I should be praying, but I have to watch each stitch,

and count them as I go.

How can I pray as well?

Knit. Knit. Knit.

Purl--oops, don't slide off too soon. Purl. Purl.

Every day two rows, fifty-seven stitches.

Concentrate.

Dear God, help me to finish this.

Stitch by stitch, row by row,

Carefully, Fearfully.

Knit. Knit. Knit.

Purl. Purl. Purl.

It will be thick and fluffy.

Warm, too.

Holey, sort of, where the purls succeed the knits.

Should I be praying for the one who'll get this shawl,

who'll need the warmth and comfort of it?

I wonder if she'll sit, enwrapped and quiet,

And hear a distant echo, whispering

Knit. Knit. Knit.

Purl. Purl. Purl.

by Lucy Rasmus