Thursday 8 July 2010

The Cloths of Heaven

On his birthday my father says
his wishes have come true.

He asked for our happiness, and lo, the cloth was embroidered in just such a way.

He asked that love would come as it had for him, and it did, and his youngest son married with just such a love, and to his beloved three children is added a fourth. (Father always wanted five children... one more marriage should do the trick, but two more would be even better!)

He hoped our paths would weave right and true, that our feet would walk on the carpet of our dreams, and lo, the weave is more magical than he dreamed, and he surfs and rides the wave with us, our inextricable traveller and guide.




This is my favourite portrait of Dad -
done by Mum in a style she reserved just for him.

And the Yeats' poem that inspires it all.

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:

But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

12 comments:

Cait O'Connor said...

I found your beautiful blog via Willow. I have added it to my list, fabulous writing and that portrait is fantastic. I am a Yeats fan too.

Bee said...

Some of Yeats' most beautiful and most memorable words.

I think that July 8 must be an auspicious birthdate. I know two other wonderful people who are celebrating birthdays today.

mermaid gallery said...

You are very fortunate to have such a close and loving family....there is nothing more profound or important than having people that care ....lovely picture...the red is spectacular on you

Lisa said...

Is that the picture of your brother and his bride? They are beautiful, shining with love and glory.

And you come from such a talented and inimitable family. I wish I have the talent to draw the love of my life.

I love the new colors of your blog too. And glad to hear from you after a while.

Jeanne-ming Brantingham said...

Shaista,
This is my favorite post of all. I am wiping tears and soothing goosebumps and feeling that the world as I know it is set right, that good people abound and love always prevails.

2 more to go, indeed!

Lorenzo — Alchemist's Pillow said...

Magical carpet rides, Shaista

Ruth said...

Rich dreams. That is wealth, to be loved this way, and to love.

Jo said...

What a beautiful post.

And what a beautiful painting of your father. I think your mother caught his spirit.

I hope you are well. :-)

Jeannette StG said...

Wow, that's a great portrait your mother painted!!!
I love your new header, Shaista!

Unknown said...

Happiness all round - another addition to the family. Your mum paints so well.

Lydia said...

I am so so happy that you left a comment after my latest magpie. What was to have been a quick visit in return has become a much-enjoyed first tour of your beautiful blog and your life shared here.

You are special and I am now a follower.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Your words are beautiful, inspiring and filled with love and life and light. I am so grateful to have come upon you in this amazing blog-world of fantastically inspiring people. Take good care!

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