Closely Knit

Wait until I finish
spinning the thread,
until this blanket
spooling across my knees
is finished;

wait beyond autumn
to let the pattern form:
a dark stand of fir,
a pale knot
of rabbits,

a snow flurry—
every flake tether
and bind.

Wait until I have finished
to fold this spread
above and below
you

wait a bit longer
before sleeping.

Forever you will lie
beneath dark fir,
a pale knot of mourners
and a cover of snow.