The tapestry

montage of color
        pattern of culture
              contrast and compliment

the finest linen,
       the coarsest burlap
              bits of silk,

shards of denim,
       rags and remnants
              woven, spun, bound

together, individual
       cuts of cloth
              a quilt

neglected
        worn fabric
              split seams

tension and stress
        tear apart the stitching
                 rending the design

restoration, preservation
       for future generations
               or hemmed up, bordered,

boxed up and packed away
       a relic, the peace
                            of Americana?