Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PIONEER WOMAN by ELLA ALLISON

First Line: THERESA MARTHA'S FIRM BUT SLENDER HANDS
Last Line: AND WOVE WITH SONG HER GENTLENESS AND VERVE.
Subject(s): PIONEERS; WOMEN;

Theresa Martha's firm but slender hands
So lightly held the yarn at her spinning wheel;
Caressing long the fine revolving strands,
She wound her daily stint on whirling reel.
She sang and drew the threads to their rightful place
To fashion wool for use, she often said,
Or something of beauty as rare and fragile lace,
Then sniffed her glowing oven's fragrant bread.

Theresa Martha's tender youthful dream
Was woven like the cloth by wick and fire.
Her plan had threads of rose, a shining gleam,
"For life has pattern," she mused, "if kept entire."
With faith and careful strength she spun reserve,
And wove with song her gentleness and verve.



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