Threads

The Thread
Something is very gently,

invisibly, silently,

pulling at me-

a thread

or net of threads

finer than cobweb

and as elastic.

I haven't tried the strength of it.

No barbed hook pierced and tore me.

Was it not long ago this thread began to draw me?

Or way back?

Was I born with its knot about my neck, a bridle?

Not fear

but a stirring

of wonder makes me

catch my breath

when I feel

the tug of it when I thought

it had loosened itself and gone.

-- Denise Levertov