Penelope Shuttle
Lilliput
Fastened down by lilliputian ancestors,
their soft linen laid on my wounds,
I'm barely able to realize I can tear myself
limb by limb from the control of my tiny forebears,
must snap their fine multiple threads,
break free from my simple surrender,
do better than this acceptance of restraints.
I wrench myself free amid their warning praise.
Details of the dream forgotten on waking,
but recalled before midday, even the feel
of the thin cords biting into my skin,
the uncomprehended advice the creatures gave.
I can only guess at the meaning of their words.
But like the wild bees in the smooth grey old wall
inhabiting the little holes they have fashioned for themselves
I honour the source of my nourishment
with the ordinary sound of my worksong
in the house the dream enriched, painted gold, almost a hive.
Page(s) 67
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