How to Knit a New Sweater

we pulled apart an ill fitting sweater,

my husband and I pulled together,

mostly because life isn’t

a Chanel commercial,

magic with screens and light

and perfume we’ll never smell.

I know the wool is magic, too,

in many ways.

warmth when you need it, 

cool, too.

We need it.

when the strands wore too thin and tore,

he saved every bit left, rolled into tight,

frugal bundles,

my hands have been sore,

re-working the old into new-

larger, more expansive,

something like a longer table.

I won’t have enough.

I won’t have enough to finish the sleeve,

meant to keep warm, meant to cover.

meant for my child, my sister, my neighbor,

I won’t have nearly enough for me.

I keep gong anyway,

my daughter comes to me

wearing an old knit wool beret.

she wears it to bed every night,

she asks for a hug,

just my arms, and

I won’t have enough.

my arms are heavy,

or maybe they don’t exist.

I hug her anyway.