:: Box of Treasures ::

I pull down from the shelf The beautiful box of treasures Ornately carved Warm, yet well worn To the gentle touch of my fingers There is no rush As I sit in this cosy spot The sunlight of memory Like a shaft of enlightenment Beams onto my cheeks There is a brass clasp That silently releases the lid Inset with filigree, blue and gold My favourite colours In my favourite pattern The hinges release the air inside Like a happy sigh A hug of acceptance As a valued friend visits After life has carved out years of absence My eyes closed, I reach inside.. I find the sound of laughter Forest light streaming through the trees Jewels of picnics and Spring days Friends I have loved and lost I find endless Christmases Warm Summer gifts of love Painted pictures from children Smiles from unexpected messages Or kind words that linger I find weddings and food and dancing Music and poetry and photographs, old and new I remember the holding of many hands Small, soft, pretty, all different Some tired and wrinkly (my favourites) I find emotions that I thought I had lost All gathered in this precious box. Placed carefully, Never broken Always perfect and personal I am slightly overwhelmed (it happens sometimes) For now, the tears can stay outside As I close the lid, replace the clasp Until the next time