In certain combinations

Watching in the quilt shop 

As my daughter chooses fabrics 

For the quilt her brother-in-law has commissioned, 

I marvel, yet again, at the infinite variety 

Of colors and patterns that are available 

And the ways she finds of putting them together.

 “What a piece of work is man! How like a god” 

In that extraordinary gift; 

Mixing and matching fabrics 

As we are mixed and matched as people, 

Our strengths highlighted or enhanced 

In certain combinations 

Yet made less visible, or even disappearing 

In others… in jobs, relationships, communities 

That leave us washed out, 

Emptied of vitality, 

While others we are gifted with 

Enable us to shine as part of a pleasing whole…