Memories

A Poetic Tribute to the Quilts in My Life

Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash

Notice the quilt hanging on the wall,
its perfect seams and fine design,
permanently displayed for all to see,
pinned smooth and straight.

I’d rather be an old worn quilt
shoved into the storage chest,
with all its rips and tears;
signs of love and a life well lived.

To have been stuffed in bags with sunscreen and beach toys,
mounds of sand collecting in all its undone seams;
imprinted in memories for years to come.

To be washed so many times I now am soft,
battered and tattered with love,
providing warmth, comfort, and safety 
for the ones who love me.

I’d rather be hidden in the back of the car 
waiting for unexpected adventures in the forest or at the sea,
than to be a pristine quilt that looks brand new,
never to be moved, 
cherished from afar.

I’d rather smell of picnics and sweat,
falling apart and needing repair.
If it means a life of memories
I’d rather be an old worn quilt.

---

I’ve turned off paid subscriptions for now, but if you’d like to support my work financially, you can…

This poem was originally published in The Order of Us: Expectations, Restoration, and the Beauty of Chaos.