Huswifery
Edward Taylor

Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheel complete.
Thy Holy Word my Distaff make for me.
Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neat
And make my Soul thy holy Spool to be.
5 My Conversation make to be thy Reel
And reel the yarn thereon spun of thy Wheel.
 
Make me thy Loom then, knit therein this Twine:
And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, wind quills:
Then weave the Web thyself. The yarn is fine.
10 Thine Ordinances make my Fulling Mills.
Then dye the same in Heavenly Colors Choice,
All pinked with Varnished Flowers of Paradise.
 
Then clothe therewith mine Understanding, Will,
Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory,
15 My Words, and Actions, that their shine may fill
My ways with glory and thee glorify.
Then mine apparel shall display before ye
That I am Clothed in Holy robes for glory.

Making Meanings
Huswifery

1. Did you respond emotionally or intellectually to Taylor’s extended comparison? Did you feel involved with the poem or distant from it? Why? 
2. The poet states his main metaphor in the first line. What does he ask the Lord to make him? 
3. Using your reading notes to help you review the poem, describe the specific ways that Taylor extends this central comparison. 
4. Describe the relationship between this speaker and God. What does the speaker say will make him a complete and fulfilled person? 
5. What transformation does the poet describe in the last two lines? 
6. Huswifery can mean “thrift,” or making the most of what one has. Who is practicing the art of huswifery in this poem?

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