An old thing, past its use-by date.
Polished sheen on wooden parts
betray an outmoded nature.
Wheels, handles - a treadle -
all of sturdy metal
and not more streamlined plastic.
Skirts, trews, blouses
pairs of modest,
old-fashioned trousers:
a communion outfit
or fancy dress.
A lifetime's clothes
unmade - unless
a faithful servant
serves its purpose.
Let it sit, old though it is,
in a corner by the fire
warming ratchets and gears
and bobbin-spindles.
You can't sell a memory
for the price of a shirt.
Comments
Bradene | December 19, 2008 - 13:53
Ah yes! how right you are. This re-awakes lots of special memories for me. Lovely piece of writing Ewan. Val
Dendrite | December 19, 2008 - 22:53
Yes, I like this a lot, very musical, nicely arranged, unexpectedly lives up to the title, a great song. Don't know what is 'trews' though.
littleditty | December 20, 2008 - 19:09
nice - Singers, i'm a fan - find them very beautiful, each have their own sound too - i like how mechanical things often outlast tech, and there is always nostalgia and memories in their look and touch, yep - i'll give you 15 quid for it?!
trews is a new word for me too, sewing words are interesting satisfying sounds, like sailing words are. I have a sewing bobbin homely write from a couple of weeks back, reminded me, nice to read Ewan, thanks.
Ewan | December 20, 2008 - 19:21
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/trews
littleditty | December 21, 2008 - 01:35
like the ending better, and the trews