The Knitter’s Lament

I followed the directions
with the promise of perfection,
rows counted and decreased,
and counted once again.

If I did what was written and if
I followed the directions,
It was guaranteed.
So I did.

Or I thought I did.
Increasing, decreasing,
I followed the directions.
I would do it all.

In the end it was its own.
Not what was promised, but lovely, still.
Somewhat like me, because that’s how
I followed the directions.