The Story of the Quilt...(Creative)

The topic was brought up in class that the quilt is very symbolic in the story Everyday Use. The following two poems are comparing the life of the quilt in Maggie’s home versus Dee’s home with an elaboration on the story. The two questions that must be kept in mind are, “where does the quilt find happiness?” and “how is it symbolic in the story?”

Dee’s Home

The quilt sits there all alone

Staying still, unmoving in Wangero’s home

Why did you go and change your name?

What were you looking for? Fortune and fame?

Why is it you that deserves the quilt?

Simply because compared to Maggie you walk on stilts?

Always loving in your mothers eyes

But the way you dress reveals the lies

You never cared for anyone but yourself

Who will be there when you call for help?

You use that tone, the one that seduces

But this time your mama sees through the excuses

The quilt is Maggie’s but you will fight

And when you don’t get your way, you find yourself in a plight

You beg, you plead but to no avail

It goes to the one who will wear the veil

In Dee’s home the quilt lies untouched

It does not really amount to much

That is why you did not get your way

Luckily, Mama saved the day

Maggie’s Home

In Maggie’s house you feel secure

Never finding yourself anywhere obscure

Dee is jealous so it is said

But here the quilt lies on the marriage bed

It is always put to daily use

But despite the assumption, the quilt does not feel abuse

Years have gone by and the quilt is there

Wrapped up in its beauty it is hard not to stare

Maggie and Mama have stayed close since the fight

But poor little Wangero is nowhere in sight

Maggie still remains highly insecure

And since the fire there has been no cure

The quilt provides comfort there is no doubt

It gives a brand new life to the small, beautiful house

Maggie is grateful for Mama’s strength to fight

Even when Maggie did not think she could sleep through the night

Her intention was not to hurt Dee or get her way

All she wanted was her sister to stay

Dee is long gone but one thing remains

The family quilt draped across the bed unashamed