Treasures From the Op Shop

to: Marion

1.

We are told, Jane Austen wrote, in 1792, on a tiny slip of paper,

a small poem as a gift to a friend and tucked it into the pocket

of a hussif.

2.

opening a postage parcel ~

recycled wrapping paper

her birthday close to mine

splashes and dashes

the stroke of a brush

little french knots

in my palm,

a needle-case ~ (hussif)

plaited threads of sisterly love

wending pathways and flower beds

patchwork embroidery ~

a button makes a starry clasp

soft satin pockets

for scissors and spools

treasures from the op shops

in pink and lavender

stitched beneath a needle slip

her initials; M.S. 2004

3.

Should we have attended Grammar School in the 1960’s,

we would have been among those young women

complaining at the task of making a hussif. Hoping,

like my research subject, to put her hand

to wood, or metal work.

She protested too, at fretful felt fabrics already cut.

But when she had finished the woolly blanket-stitch

edgings she elaborated her initials with colourful beads.

Benita Helen Kape (c) September – November 2004