Time to take out the creativity kit,
channel Betsy Ross, and stitch
a new flag of unity
from the chiaroscuro scraps
of tunnel-visioned division,
the biased binding of
fanatics.
Make a new chromatic
comforter of unity.
Compose a quilted love song
to my country
that makes us all take one knee,
aching from the weight
of fear-based imagery,
and the sight of stubborn ones
fighting over freedoms
like fancy fabrics;
they won’t let go
until they rip them in two.
If only I could find you
a universal needle,
instrument of our foremothers,
have these quilters describe
to us, their descendants,
why they set their family squares
in the only land I know
without foundation
piercing through.
I’d double line my work
with much to learn:
fabric slightly off the grain
is still useable,
easing is possible
through continued back-stitching,
and honorable collaboration
makes the best cloths.
Let us each switch swaths
of consciousness,
experience homespun discrimination,
hate and the hand of displacement,
rips in the fabric we carry inside.
Wrap us in a new kindred shawl
with long right and left arms,
a homogenous hug,
hold us all there
and remind each of us–
our creation is home.
This poem is my promise quilt
to always listen,
to kneel before purple mountains,
nature’s majesty,
and to love all of the swatches of
my homeland,
my country,
the lattice quilt of the free.
© khartless 2021, All Rights Reserved
“Our hearts aching, our prayers praying, our flags waving, never forget.”
Betsy Ross
Even though I can’t attend this evening’s Open Link Night at d’Verse, I wanted to share this poem that I wrote living abroad, but that I thought appropriate to share today in a time of thankfulness.
I have the utmost respect for all of the women and men that have served my country and their dedication to fighting for freedom, liberty, and justice for all. HappyVeteran’s Day, and if you are a veteran, I thank you kindly for your sacrifice and service.
Artwork: A vintage 1930 Tintogravure pin-up print by John Knowles Hare titled “Betsy Ross.”
Yard Sale of Thoughts 
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