Nimble fingers I watched with awe
pleating the saree expertly
with incredulity I saw
six yards draped so elegantly.
Mostly busy, never frazzled
nimble fingers I watched with awe
moving quickly they did dazzle
your draping always without flaw.
Trying to pleat, a blank I draw
was frustrated, then I recalled
how nimble fingers had me in awe
the movement that had me in thrall
I had practiced without a pause
now am at ease, no longer raw
saree is my first choice because
nimble fingers I’d watched with awe.
Written for dVerse poetics and poetry form. On Tuesday for poetics, Lillian our host had asked us to create a poem motivated by one of the five portraits she shared by artist Hellesen.
Today our host, Grace, is encouraging us to try the form quatern! I have combined both the prompts. If you look at the picture below, you would know why the painting above inspired me to write about pleating the saree. 🙂
paeansunpluggedblog 
A great combination of Poetics and Form for All, Punam, and that you chose the ‘nimble fingers I used to watch with awe’ as the refrain – they do stand out, don’t they. And what beautiful memories.
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Thanks so much, Kim.
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I love such a memory… as a young man I practiced tying a bow-tie, but I never really made it the way my father did it…
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And these memories always stay with us.
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Perfecting that drape is an achievement, I think 😁. Some of us still struggle.
Love the flow of your words, Punam. beautiful 🤍
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These days, yes, some do struggle. 😊
Thanks a lot, Destiny. ❤️
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My pleasure 🤍
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I didn’t write to the prompt with these images, but this is the one I would have chosen, and you wrote a perfect poem for it. I love your repeated refrain, and I can imagine someone watching an older female relative. A lovely memory. 💙
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Thanks so much, Merril. 💙 The moment I saw this one, it seemed as if she was tying a saree. 😊
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You’re welcome. I love that! 💙
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And that is a skill to learn and master. I am always in awe with that drapery of the sari. Beautiful memories to carry over and share with our children and grandchildren.
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Beautiful quatern, Punam, and I love how you interpreted the image ❤ I must say, the few times I ever wore a sari, I was never able to master the art of the folds! I always had to ask someone to do it for me 🙂
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Yes, in the beginning one does need help with the pleats but once you master it, wearing a saree isa breeze. Thanks, my dear. ❤️
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great use of the prompts, I must have nimble fingers … I loved to wear saris! Not considered politically correct now so I passed them onto my friends 4 daughters 🙂
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Thanks, sis.🙂
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I love this beautiful tribute to your mother. Six yards of material is a lot to be draped around you. Well done with the prompt.
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Yes, six yards does seem a lot but when draped properly it does not appear so. Thanks so much, Dwight.
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You are welcome!
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Of course I love textiles, and this is a wonderful dance of hands and threads. (K)
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Thanks a lot, Kerfe.
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Excellent take Punam. I was also awed and very impressed by those who could wear a sari easily and their appearance flawless.
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Thanks a lot, Sadje. Saree when worn properly, looks lovely.
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Yes it does! An elegant ensemble
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Your poem brings out the warmth of the memory. It also had me reflecting how much children learn and hold onto from watching.
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It is fascinating to watch adults do things which seem difficult and learn through observation. Thanks, Heather.
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What a wonderful memory so wonderfully wrapped in you poem so well!~ I’m always in awe when I watch someone put one on so effortlessly! Great job Punam 💞
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Thanks a lot, Cindy. ❤️ It does fill one with awe.
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💞💗 Always a pleasure! 💗
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I do not know how women do it. I have trouble typing a simple mundu (lungi), which is why I rarely wear them even though they are very comfortable. Very interesting form, Punam.
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Thanks, Tanmay. I think it is practice that makes it look easy. Mundu/lungi is certainly very comfortable in this heat.
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I am all smiles as I read this poem through. It felt like draping saree, round and round with that refrain.
P. S. I just learned how to put on a saree! It’s an art, and yes, will leave one in awe!
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Oh, wow! You did! Awesome.
Yes, as a kid I would drape a piece of cloth round and round and fall! Lol
Thanks so much, Rosema.
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A sari, yes, that would fit perfectly. The colours too, that are slightly unusual give the painting a mysterious air.
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That was my first thought when I looked at the painting. The thought wouldn’t leave me so I had to write it. 🙂
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I’m glad you did. It made me look at the woman a different way, more sympathetically.
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I love this quatern!!! I watched in awe as my Mother created my dresses when I was a child, my formal gowns (tons of pleating) when I was a young woman. I have never worn a sari, would enjoy wearing one I think. Must find a suitable fabric soon.
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It is awesome to watch mothers do things which seem so difficult. I think you would look lovely in a sari. Try to get a fabric that is flowy and has a good fall.
Thanks a lot, Helen.
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So well crafted! Your topic was enchanting. 👍😊
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Thanks so much, Susan. 😊🙏🏼
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I was too late for the painting prompt but you how to combine the prompts in an ingenious way… Folding a Sari is indeed awe-inspiring…
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I too was late but wanted to write on it and Grace provided the perfect form. Thanks a lot.
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I learned to drape a saree a very long time ago. I still remember how, though i have not worn one in ages.
Enjoyed your quatern Punam.
Much💖love
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That’s wonderful, Gillena! You must wear one once again. Thanks so much. ❤️
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An amazing flow of words, dear Punam. ❤️
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