Wear a Scarf

A birthday scarf for my sis!

Wear a scarf with memory
sweat-cloth of ancient Rome
Chinese army neckerchief
silk mask in cockpit fume.

Wear a scarf that’s beautiful
cashmere, pashmina, silk
woven or embroidered
in gold or silver gilt.

Wear a scarf that’s versatile
stole over evening gown
shawl covering for the time of prayer
pouch for your little one.

Wear a scarf with savvy
learn how to knot and drape
Windsor, cravat, ascot
necktie, Gypsy cape.

Be one with all your sisters
in their lovely shawls and scarves
saris, tichels, hijabs
turbans and khimars.

© 2012 by Violet Nesdoly

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One of the poetic activities I enjoyed in 2012 was joining in on Tabatha Yeatts‘ poem swaps. I found it a wonderful way to get to know a few Poetry Friday contributors well.

My winter poem swapee was kidlit author and poet Joyce Ray. Tabatha supplied us with get-acquainted questions and a poem prompt. Joyce’s answer to “favourite colors: ocean colors, sage green, even lavender” immediately brought to mind a scarf! And so I was on my way. “Wear a Scarf” is the result. (Of course I enclosed an actual scarf as the gift. I never did find one that exactly matched the scarf I had in my imagination, but it was close. And for those familiar with what we did, no, I didn’t follow Tabatha’s challenge to start each line with the same letter. I completely forgot about it, so when my poem from Joyce came with an “L” at the beginning of each line I was so impressed!)

If Tabatha runs more poetry swaps in the new year, join in! You’ll find it an enriching and fun experience!

Now, a Happy New Year to all who read here. May your 2013 abound with poetry!

For more end-of-December poetry check out Poetry Friday, hosted this week by Carol at Carol’s Corner.