Comfort Knitting

Years ago
Bernadette Murphy wrote
in her book, _Zen and the Art of Knitting_
about learning to knit in Ireland.

Her mother had just died
after years of battling depression.
Murphy hoped that her mother's sister, Peg,
could offer insights into her mother's childhood
and her subsequent illness.

Instead Peg took her to daily mass
and taught her to knit.
Sequestered in the chilly front room,
feet toasted with the gas heater,
they knitted hour after hour
joined by the task in a rhythmic bonding.

Peg maintained her Irish reticence
whether by design or ignorance...
Who was to know?

Murphy relinquished the burden
of her questions.

The Zen gift of knitting
healed and comforted Murphy
and has remained a linchpin
in her life.

Wordless comfort and communication...
How seldom found in this busy noisy world...

The Quakers pray together in silence.

The Porch Ladies (my writing group)
write together in silence.
Sharing or not sharing afterward by choice.

A grandchild snuggles and reads, I knit quietly.

Deem it comfort knitting.