Checkered

A pattern like a checkerboard
Is one that I adore,
On clothing, bedding, even rugs
Or tiles upon a floor.

Though stripes and dots and plaid are nice,
I’m partial to the squares,
Especially in black and white;
Not one design compares.

Those little boxes neatly wrought
To me are unsurpassed,
Except, of course, for someone
Who must hide a checkered past.