Scrunchies

We had just gotten a baby,

the house was filling up

with all her things.

We decided to donate

what was extra,

to make space,

so, though a hoarder,

I made a bundles,

of my old clothes,

that could help Goodwill.

Then something unthinkable,

happened to the world,

the pandemic struck,

lockdowns were imposed.

We were stuck at home.

and suddenly,

we needed masks,

I got an idea,

ordered a sewing machine,

an electric one,

and began making things

I desired,

masks, of course—

but also baby frocks,

pillow covers, hats,

headbands, table cloths

mats, kitchen napkins

and lots of scrunchies.

It was easy, and satisfying,

just stitch tubular pieces

from colorful cloth scraps,

put an elastic in the middle.

Tie the loose ends,

stitch to hide the frays,

and they are done.

I use those scrunchies,

every single day.

There is immense joy

in repurposing, frugality,

sustainability, and creativity.

And I’m glad,

in the midst of distress,

I reaped that happiness.