The Romance of Long-Arm Quilting

The frame and machine reside in our friend’s upper room,

Patiently awaiting the backing, batting, and quilt,

Patiently awaiting the quilter’s gentle motion

Guiding the machine, gently guiding the machine

Following patterns, designs, twirls, zags,

Ordained by the programmer’s skill

Or by the gentle movement of the quilter’s hand.

What high sign of civilized living

Is this long-arm quilting machine.

What splendid tool befitting us,

Whose cousins have fashioned such a thing.

--May 17, 2013