Fitted sheets were not in vogue when my mother
\nmade her bed all those thousand times
\nthe bottom sheet and the top identical.<\/p>\n
Now when I make my bed I find the words
\nfor explaining the fitted sheet in my head
\nand the elastic that holds it taut.<\/p>\n
Isn\u2019t it an advantage, I say \u2013 I see
\nher sceptical look \u2013 that the edges are fixed
\nwhether you sleep alone or in pairs<\/p>\n
and your portion of the sheet is inviolate?
\nShe says nothing, just a long slow look.
\nIt will be more difficult to fold for the linen press<\/p>\n
where she tied her sheets with ribbons.
\nSo often I received her wisdom and never
\ndefended myself. What could I say<\/p>\n
to one who knew more, was quick about everything,
\nthat a bed should be aired for hours
\nbecause it contains bacteria and moisture<\/p>\n
but this sheet I want to give her, to lie
\ndown on, as taut as a sail
\non a night voyage, in starlight and moonlight.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Fitted sheets were not in vogue when my mother made her bed all those thousand times the bottom sheet and the top identical. Now when I make my bed I find the words for explaining the fitted sheet in my head and the elastic that holds it taut. Isn\u2019t it an advantage, I say \u2013 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":134,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":[]},"categories":[346,349],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"\n