More than Mussels and Salmon

The Fisherman’s Sweater

The scratchiness reminds me
of a sweater I once had
A cardigan of Arran wool
from my mother’s hands

She knitted it with love
every popcorn stitch
the fisherman’s ropes
filled every inch

It was another thing
that set me apart
not something a kid wants
right from the start

I wore it for warmth
it served its purpose
then on to my sister
then to service

Her daughters
so for twenty-five years
I’ve asked for new
fisherman’s gear

And Mom has said rightly
That the first one was itchy
I was a kid and
as such I richly

Deserved nothing
there’s a new cardigan
but no-one to hug, save
the knitter in Oban

DAC
May 4, 2007