Poetry for Handspinners and Weavers

Song for the Spinning Wheel by William Wordsworth (1770–1850) SWIFTLY turn the murmuring wheel! Night has brought the welcome hour, When the weary fingers feel Help, as if from faery power; Dewy night o’ershades the ground; Turn the swift wheel round and round! Now, beneath the starry sky, Couch the widely-scattered sheep;— Ply the pleasant labor, ply! For the spindle, while they sleep, Runs with speed more smooth and fine, Gathering up a trustier line. Short-lived likings may be bred By a glance from fickle eyes; But true love is like the thread Which the kindly wool supplies, When the flocks are all at rest Sleeping on the mountain’s breast.

Tewa: Song of the Sky Loom     Oh our Mother the Earth oh our Father the Sky Your children are we       with tired backs we bring you the gifts you love So weave for us a garment of brightness May the warp be the white light of the morning May the weft be the red light of evening May the fringes be the falling rain May the border be the standing rainbow Weave for us this bright garment that we may walk where birds sing       where grass is green Oh our Mother the Earth oh our Father the Sky