Patchwork Quilt

A personal item found in a rustic backwoods cabin conjures speculation.

Patchwork Quilt

It hangs in a show
among precious quilts
that have spent their whole 
lives in cedar wood chests.

It sags with frayed edges
purple squares threadbare
where dye ate the fabric
through tatters and tears.

Owner unknown, it was
found in a line shack
where an old logger lived
Many decades ago.

Coins sewn in the corners
with bachelor dreams
saving for some day
when his life work was done.

Was it left in a hurry
or found wrapped around him
his work-battered body
in his bed all alone?

Was he found by the grocer
who hadn’t seen him in town?
Did he lie there for days
Before someone came around?

Was it a childhood comfort
Or an old family heirloom
a gift from a maiden
who bid him adieu?

Whatever its story,
it hangs on a clothesline
amid others so pristine
saved only for guests.

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