A red and white gingham blanket
Is sewn by a young woman
As the classical music
Drifts through the open window.

A red and white gingham blanket
Wraps around a newborn
As the sounds of the world
Are drowned out by his infectious laugh.

A red and white gingham blanket
Ties around a young boy like a cape
As the children play
With no worry in the world.

A red and white gingham blanket
Hosts two young lovers
As the river
Kisses the bare stones.

A red and white gingham blanket
Rests on a pullout table
As the world claps
For new love.

A red and white gingham blanket
Warms a dying man
As the sickness
Overwhelms his fighting body.

A red and white gingham blanket
Lowers into the ground
As the sobs rush
Into the grave.

Photo by Bonnie Kittle on Unsplash