Five siblings inherit a blanket. They lie beneath it, together, to stay warm.
          But arms and legs stick out and the siblings squabble and tug. They do
          not realize that they would all fit if they just moved closer together.

This is the Blanket Story. Poets, artists, and musicians have responded to this tale in creative ways. All poems appear here, our ONLINE POETRY SHOWCASE. Visit our main page to find out more about the project.

Maria Terrone

The Castle

Erase the line drawn in the sand, a scar
old and deep. Shuffle back and forth,

pairs of feet like wheels churning up
clouds. Move hand in hand laughing,

as children do. If you can’t decode
the swirl of tongues, hold the hands

tighter. Share water and tools—
now erect a sand castle. Let it be

strong, beautiful, visible for miles.
Build no walls within, unfurl

no flags. Ban the monster-teeming
moat. Instead, create a path for pilgrims

to tread without fear of sudden,
violent death. Make yourself small

so that you can live in the home
you have made. Greet all guests

from the always-unlocked doors,
opening wide. At nightfall, light

a torch at every turret, far
from history’s merciless tides.