Nighttime Chores
a villanelle by Rebecca Grabman

Stitch after stitch, run the needle through it,
Row follows row, pulls the ends together,
Sewing up seams, little more: just a bit

More to go. Every thread: perfect tight fit.
Bind the sides (pull them tight!) harshly severed –
Stitch after stitch, run the needle through it.

So time, time again, in a dimly lit
Room, here she sits for what seems like forever,
Sewing up seams, little more: just a bit

More to do, then she can finally quit
For the night (keeps her safe from the weather).
Stitch after stitch, run the needle through it.

‘Til now, here at last, she can close up the pit
Made in her chest. It’s like sewing up leather.
Sew up those seams! Little more! Tiny bits,

gone from her heart. It’s been battered, it’s been hit:
Broke apart with the force of a feather.
Stitch after stitch, run the needle through it,
Cinching up those seams. Little more. Just a bit.