The Imperial Color

The Imperial Color

I am purple, can't you see?
Naturally, I am the suitcase of choice
for the wealthy and privileged.
My buckles are silver and my lining velvet,
manufactured in an exclusive, Italian factory.
Only emperors wore purple robes
because it's the imperial color
and demonstrates superior class.

Of course, my owner travels first class
so we shall soon be parted
as you are manhandled by casual laborers
while I am transported with care
and cushioned with cotton wool.

I am yellow, and you're a fool.
Naturally, I am the suitcase of choice
for those with elevated aesthetic tastes.
My buckles are brass and my lining silk,
hand-crafted by skilled artisans.
Chinese emperors wore yellow robes
because it's the imperial color
and demonstrates superior class.

Of course, my owner also travels first
so we shall not be parted
as we are treated as fragile,
loaded in luxury,
and packed with the valuables.

The baggage handler arrives.
He's colorblind:
purple or yellow, it's all the same.
Both are hoisted and thrown onto a dolly
as quickly as possible
so he can grab a beer
before he goes home to his wife.

What matters color, class, and whence we came,
or other reasons to preen?
When we reach the end of our journey
and land on that conveyor belt in the sky,
how shall we be judged —
by color and trimmings
or by what stayed safe inside?



40 lines
Free Verse

So, people of WDC, is it better to be a purple case or a yellow case?