Charge of the Hand-Me-Downs

 

a nation dawned

from deep knowing

 

a first emblem … documented

 and sewn  hasty … necessary

 

from

red flannel petticoats

the white of soldiers’ shirts

blue of a captain’s coat

 

now there are signs of wear

gaps open between stripes

 

an infiltrating must

fast threatens warp and woof

 

watch out

you worn conservators

 you are accountable

 

though you

were given hand-me-downs

your charge is to preserve

 

Bonnie Marshall

Artwork: Shane Cotton

protest song eternal

I would say… oh, my friend
where’s your passion…
I would say… oh, my friend
where’s your risking…of
fortune and muscle and time

for the warnings are there
outside windows… and the
signage is there on your street
at your gate…on your steps;
hear the throwing of dice
at your wall…hear their rattle
of bones at your door

hear…
the cadence of marching
the clanging of symbols
the striking of bells in the air

 

Bonnie Marshall

Art by Shane Cotton