Scarlet Ribbons

Willie Nelson sings
a haunting verison of
"Scarlet Ribbons."

I'm intrigued by ribbons
at the moment...
a rather new passion.

I have never been
a girlie girl. Not
given to buttons and bows.

Never owned a camisole
with all those sexy ribbons.
Left them to the heroines
in the cowboy movies
of my youth.

Never wore ribbons
in my hair or danced
around the Maypole.

But I found a knitting pattern:
"Little Angel" tank top.
You knit an eyelet border
just above the waistline and
gather it with ribbon.

Ambivalence has set in.
Vevet ribbon in a shade of wine
or jade green would
be lovely.

But then again:
a Christmas plaid ribbon
with a hint of gold sparkle
to it would be smashing.

Oh! I forgot to tell you.
The yarn is soft, off-white,
a lamb's wool look alike...

The tank would work well with a
taffeta skirt or velvet pants.

I could make more
than one top or could
buy multiple ribbons.

After all Christmas
is far off, time is not
of the essence.

I shake my head
and play "Scarlet Ribbons"
yet another time and
realize that in truth...

it is the miracle...
the child's faith
of the scarlet ribbons,
I seek.