Her Chair

 

She sat in that chair

during mild summer days,

watching the sunflowers grow

against the weathered wood of the shed,

occupied with knitting and watching birds.

She sat in that chair,

knitting slowly, patiently, expertly,

until late August

when her hands constricted

in arthritis.

In September

they brought the chair inside.

She placed her project

deep inside her closet,

hoping for better days.

In October

they harvested

the sunflowers' seeds,

and saved them for 

their winter bird feeders.

In November,

she sits in her chair

in the front room,

watching chickadees

at the bird feeders.

In December

she sits in her chair

watching the bird feeders,

and rubbing the woolen yarn

across her cheeks

with her handicapped hands,

wondering what she was knitting,

and for whom. 

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Location: Oakfield Township - Kent County - Michigan