From the air

this continent is a jigsaw puzzle,

full of shapes and patterns –

perfect squares of farmland

and alien crop circles.

And from space

the cities are cathedrals of light –

points of navigation to guide us

when the road is hidden in darkness.

Up here, no one questions

your patriotism, your beliefs,

who you have chosen to love –

those are earthbound concerns.

Get up, off the ground, take wing

or you’ll never see the whole –

the patchwork nation we truly are

held together by invisible string.

A quilt is only as sturdy as the fabric

and the seamster’s precise fingers –

the needle pulled high and taut

before plunging back into layers.

Don’t be afraid to prick your finger

and always prick up your ears

when others try to define your freedom –

my darlings, there will always be blood.

Written on the occasion of the 17th annual Blended Heritage celebration at the Fayette County Public Library. The theme of this year's event was Patchwork Nation.