The World's Coat

The world's coat

has a zillion buttons made of stone,

has pockets

deeper than the deepest Ocean;

with its collar pulled up

it reaches beyond the death of stars.

Its fabric can cope with hurricane and hail,

sandstorm and snow;

it can brace your sorrows and your fears

of no tomorrow.

The word's coat is lined with silk from all the silk worms

that ever existed;

its length is long but it never touches the ground.

There's no reason to shun it.

It is waiting patient as the sky for you to sink

into the black holes of its arms.

The world's coat

may seem an ill fit, but just turn up

its cuffs, it will grow into you,

or you into it.

 

Maggie Sawkins (from Zones of Avoidance, 2015, Cinnamon Press)