When We Were Shakers
written by: Jean M Beebe
@jmbsquared
When we were Shakers
we spent a winter by the fire
weaving rugs and seats for
the chairs emerging
from the new lumber
in the shop.
When we were Shakers
I watched you
pick up your skirt and run
long-legged
to our sister
who had fallen by the barn.
I got Blaze and the buckboard
and we tended to her
together.
When we were Shakers
I thought you had a
very fine singing voice.
I liked to
dance in a line
and stomp my feet
on the boards.
When we were Shakers
your room was across the hall
with Sarah and Ivy
but sometimes I got to
tighten all the beds upstairs –
backs strong and straight
even in sleep.
When we were Shakers
we would walk the orchard
in silence
but sometimes I could
make you laugh, mimicking
our brothers and sisters
and all your favorite animals.
When we were Shakers
I didn’t know
what size to make myself.
You always knew
what to do.
But we never spoke of it.
When we were Shakers
shadows would cross
the sundial in the yard
and I would pray
a dedication
with each tick
Hands to work
Heart to God
Hands to work
Heart to God
Hands to Work
Heart to God
That’s what I could do
when we were Shakers.
- Cohort - February 1, 2024
- Transportation - September 30, 2023
- When We Were Shakers - June 20, 2023
