Woven Threads
© Laura Craig Mason 2002

Weaving under
a heavy moon,
I tie up knots
consciously;
methodically
thinking of the 
power of the silver
above.
I partake in 'women's work'
each cut- influenced
by the connected-ness
of need and want.
Building, creating, birthing
by word, by action;
by crafts Grandmother knew.

By what terms
and what parameters
is it decided
the heredity of a witch?
Grandmother's degree
in eastern philosophy,
or my mother's knack for art
and scrying:
both lead me here.

Using metal to work the yarn,
I think back through our history:
generations ago it would have been
wood or bone instruments.
Each click resonates a familiar sound
bringing me back;
tying me in:
We women, the alchemists
turning wool into scratchy blankets
and sweaters for children and mates.
We woman the alchemists
healing cough and cold all around.
We woman, the witches
worshiping whatever god  and goddess under
whatever phase of moon.
We women lifting each other up
by connected-ness, words, and action

I sit here
with a back lightly hunched
knitting and purling memories
and ideas together;
creating something new
by action
and intent.