Many years ago after a big storm several long Tulip Poplar branches came down. Warren de-barked these long poles and brought them into the corner of our living room that is more than two stories tall. At the time they reminded Warren of a ladder made by Martin Puryear (Ladder for Booker T. Washington, 1996). A few years ago I wrapped one of the poles with holiday lights. At this time of year I often write at my laptop with just these lights for company as the outside light drains. Other days I leave these twinkles on as I head out for a dusk walk so that the sparkle of small lights welcomes me home.
Our grandson is coming to visit for the holidays, so we plan to make this part of the house more toddler friendly. The poles are heading back to the studio to be reincarnated as something new. It allows me to enjoy these last moments of light and arrangement of furniture before low level fragile things get shifted out of baby finger height. The handiwork with old wood is rekindled by the love of a new life.
December Brightening
I came home
late to the broken
porch light fixed—
handiwork of an old
love’s new flame.
–Andrea Cohen, Four Way Books, 2021