The Lacemaker by Byron Beynon

The Lacemaker

after the painting by Jan Vermeer (1632-1675)

You sense his eyes

scrutinizing her as she works

in a busy space of her own.

The fingers and eyes

are a team,

edges of colours

about to be transformed.

Her presiding head

tilted over

threads and needles

like a praying-mantis.

The skill of creation,

hushed in time,

waiting for

the birth of patience

that will arrive

into a transfixed world.

Byron Beynon lives in Wales. His work has appeared in several publications including The Warwick Review, London Magazine, Poetry Wales and Cyphers. Recent collections include The Sundial (Flutter Press) and The Echoing Coastline (Agenda Editions).