Domestic Devotions
after Anne Bradstreet
In thee, my household, I find solace and a sense of divine presence, for in the everyday tasks, I see a reflection of thy love and providence. The spinning wheel, a tool of toil, doth bring forth warmth and comfort, as the yarn, a humble thing, is transformed into a garment, a testament to thy guidance.
In the stillness of the morning, before the household stirreth, I find a moment’s peace, a time to reflect on thy blessings, and to offer thanks for all that thou hast given me, my family, my home, my life.
I took from Anne Bradstreet her focus on domestic life and her use of metaphysical conceits to explore spiritual themes, and applied it to a new subject, the spinning wheel, to create a poem that reflects her style and sensibility. I also tried to capture her gentle, conversational cadence and formal, slightly archaic diction.