Cuff Mend

As winter draws to a close (or pretends to),
the pile of sweaters in need of a minor mend
grows ever larger --
​one more unfinished task among many.

​Knitting sleeves from shoulder to cuff with mending in mind
means it’s generally just a matter of removing the worn out fragments,
ripping back a few rows (admiring the shape the currugated rib yarn while I’m about it),
and picking up the waiting stitches to cast off again--
so I know I’ll be thoroughly engaged in the process once I start.

Indeed, I love mending--
just as I love the satisfaction of having mended
and of using/wearing things that have proven their worth over time--
so I’m not sure why I put it off.

But I do,
and this makes think yet again about how much,
despite awareness and effort,
I am influenced by this culture that pushes ever toward the new--
be it garment, phone, home, place, artwork--
as though it is obvious that the unknown is inherently more compelling (or worthwhile)
than the thing or idea or place that has proven its worth over time--
and was the new best beloved weeks or decades ago.

Perhaps that is why mending is helpful —once I start--
as it helps me to remember how much I liked this yarn,
​ how much I like it still.

​Look —the colors glow brighter even as the re-knitting commences.

Or maybe it’s just that the sun is now shining on the snow
and bouncing into the studio,
reminding me that it is not yet spring
and an almost mended sweater will keep my best beloved warm
far sooner than the fleece I’d otherwise be carding for the next one.