Thames Jacket
First, know how it was made;
from the wild flax of marshy banks, gathered on windless days,
when the pods burst, but can’t winnow away;
dyed with a compound of silt from dark green places
and liquid blue for oar tips;
threaded with precious metal – silver for the shimmer
of surface light, votive copper and bronze;
buttoned with skull bone; and patterned
with willow leaf lozenges or skiffs or minnows.
Then, know why;
for a symbol, to show every part of the whole,
as reference, the first clue on a great quest,
as a challenge to my capabilities and yours,
so that, literally, I can wear the river.
Page(s) 19
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