Rummaging
in boxes of jewelry and beads,
spools of thread and needles
patches, ribbons and rags;
wondering how to turn all of these rags (shmates)
into costumes.
Work is under way
with all its fuss and flurry;
cutting, shearing and fitting,
a little sewing and a little unraveling.

The glue gets a bit smeared,
and the paints a bit spilled;
the threads get a bit tangled,
and the cloth gets dirty;
the materials get mixed up,
and there are no openings for sleeves!
Colors drip on faces and noses
in a steady flow;
and the costume is unlike any form
or any model!

But then all this flurry is wonderful in itself,
the craft is pleasant
and the joy tremendous!