McNair to Hall: August 21, 1983

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Dear Don,

If in this period of your crazy activity you get
a moment free, will you please take a look at the enclosed
and tell me what you think?

We look forward mightily to your play.

Love,

Wes

REMEMBERING APRONS

Who recalls the darkness
of your other life,
sewn shut

around feed grain,
or remembers your release
to join your sisters,

the dishcloths, now
ampleness and holes? Not
the absent hands

that tied you
behind the back,
already forgetting. Old

stove-gloves,
soft baskets
for tomatoes,

how thoughtlessly
they used you, and yet
how wonderful

in being left out
was your inclusion! Oh
tough dresses

without closets,
lovely petticoats
that flashed

beneath the frayed
hemlines of barncoats
all over Vermont.

–Wesley McNair