Favor-ite Things...
By an anonymous bard who is (only just) more adept with pen than with needle...
The Story of the Crown Province's Needle-Women

The finest of our seamstresses, of our embroiderers as well,
Have given of their best for Timothy and Gabrielle.
Their aching fingers, strained eyes have well deserved a rest.
But when War with Midrealm is declared, there is one more request:
Queen Gabrielle asks for favors to hand to her fighting men.
The laurels and apprentices are tired from months of when
They sewed the Coronation garb for their new Queen and King.
Loyal as they are, they know they can't do one more thing.
So Whyt Whey's dabblers and beginners step up and volunteer,
Though some have not seen frame nor floss in well over a year.
Some have no "sewing servants", while some have servants ill.
Some have never sewn at all, but they all work with a will
To give the Queen the favors that her fighting men will need.
May Her Majesty thus see the thought behind their loyal deed,
When favors 36 from that small Canton do arrive
And are not quite what she expects the  Province can provide.

from the July 1998 Seahorse