Forever Plaid

Cameron Hunting Plaid,
one of my ancestral tartans.
Sadly, I do not own a pair of
Cameron boxers, but my sister gave me
a beautiful Cameron scarf
she bought in Scotland.

Folding cotton boxers I think of distant friend
whose mother sewed her clothes and I,
in surly mood, denounced the fact that
everything she wore was plaid. Had I only
thought before my words came out - hurt
in her eyes so easily avoided. Jealousy
a factor, she much taller, ever smarter. 
Children do not have to learn to be unkind, 
default setting in the mind since Adam's fall.
My penance, now, to wish her well 
each time that I see plaid.




(c) Ellen Gillette, 2013