Written piece
Making Amends
Sylvia Gilfillian
Jamaica
About this piece
This is a poem I wrote some years ago while reflecting on family wounds and the need for healing.
Making Amends
I'm gathering what's left of my village,
pat-patting the dust into place
to settle old grievances.
My table is set for more than two,
but some spots will not be filled
for former occupants have expired.
I am gathering my clan
like an old dirndl skirt,
patching my quilt,
darning places worn
by gritty words
spoken in haste.
I am using the salve of bygones
to ease old hurts.
Lord knows-
some holes will remain,
but, may they be small,
and may my restless fingers not worry them open.
After all,
it is near sunset,
And these eyes are too dim
to count the steps that go backward...