Page 8 - Contrast1993Fall

Origami

She vows to make one thing beautiful, a wren
or a sleek, red crane. Yet so many steps to follow,
the paper must fold, crease, then fold again.

Funny that this folding of paper resembles love. When
she was younger, more free, could she know
how to make anything beautiful, a wren,

or a torn marriage? Her clumsy fingers bend
the paper too sharply at first, so
she must fold, crease, then fold again.

Her husband finds her sitting alone, pretends
not to notice the crumpled red paper and quickly goes,
angry. She vows to make one thing beautiful, a wren

to blot his bitterness. She has learned not to depend
on his recognition of her joys and sorrows.
Stubborn, she continues to fold, crease, and fold again.

In vain, she hopes that the thousandth crane
can grant a simple wish to end her woe,
Silently, she vows to make one thing beautiful, a wren,
pressing the paper to fold, crease, then fold again.

Darla Ledger

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