Sewing Freedom

I envision
a lady
mixed with folklore;
a mother no doubt,
she had children
and homemaker duties,
and a desire
to create something beautiful
for her country.
233 years ago,
it is said,
Ms Ross
hand sewed
the first flag,
combining bits of color
to create our banner.

A bare foot worked
the treadle rhythmically.
A leather band attached
to a wheel,
turned gears and cogs
I presume,
eventually working
a needle up and down.
Thread was gathered
from a bobbin
and combined
to create seams
in my home made
blue cloth pants.

I remember sitting
upon the floor,
marveling as mother
cut and pinned,
measured and sewed,
making new clothes.
She also patched
knees and elbows
as our family
continued to grow.
Though the memory is fresh,
that was many years ago.

Gone are the children
who learn to knit
and crochet
at their mother's side.
Gone, another piece
of good old fashioned
American pride.
Shirts and pants
are bought
from shelf and rack
with merely a glance
at a tag stuck inside.
"Sewed with American Pride"
from a factory in Bangladesh.

If we don't pass on heritage
and teach our children right,
what is their future?
This downfall
didn't happen fast
it's true,
but it happens every day,
to me and you.
More of our legacy is gone,
taken in the light of day,
not by a thief at night.
Another tear
is in the fabric,
where once was strong cloth.
Stripes, blue cloth,
and stars,
sewed carefully,
shining bright.