Joseph

Follow a thread through the weave of a coat.

Over and under like waves and a boat.

Red waves are lapping the top of each cuff

Blue waves zig-zagging, the sea's getting rough

Along the hem edge where it drags in the dust.

White and gold sash holds it up off the crust

Of the earth, which lends its light browns, grays and greens

To the collar above which the coat wearer preens

For a father who paid in good silver and stock

To dress prudent son like a lovely peacock.

Each stitch as articulate as nature allows,

Each color as bright as his eyes 'neath his brows,

The patterns and stripes follow predestined memes:

Bear pattern to hold tight, Bird pattern for dreams

Star pattern for solace, Tree pattern for strength,

Heart pattern for health and a life of great length.

Black for fathomless promise as far

As the stretching, unseen, black beyond every star,

Crimson like fire, flames reaching to grasp

Like hope, something there, just outside their clasp.

Gray rain is falling down back and both sides,

Brown wheat is growing from roots the seam hides.

Depictions of sheep, and cows chewing their cud,

Not intended to soak up a scapegoat's warm blood.

Maybe vanity, love-blindness, foolish mistake.

The catalyst for a lifetime, the clothes weavers make.