At the Pawn Shop

Clouds roll in to bruise the sky as rain falls from the sun's black eye.
My clothes are sodden within seconds - I dive for the first door that beckons.
The pawn shop smells of age and dust, a heady mix of past and must.
Then, from the door, my tired eyes spy a sight that makes my mouth go dry.
I drip across the wooden floor until I reach the open drawer
sealed with glass to keep away the specks of dirt that might decay
the pair of earrings on display in polished gold with subtle spray
of opalescent stones that dot a tiny pair of celtic knots. 
My mind drifts to faint memories of Nana's fine accessories.
My stunned heart gives a painful squeeze; I know she owned a pair like these. 
Through sudden tears, my vision blurs - I reach into my open purse
for bills to pay the waiting clerk, who stands nearby on high alert.
I clutch the box with shaking hands; my eyes drop tears that fall to fan
across my cheeks in joyful stains - and once outside, I thank the rain.
 
 
For Susan's "at the pawn shop" contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Nehls Avatar
September 12, 2015 at 5:02 AM
Hello Heather. Thanks to the imagery and the beautiful rhymes I was able to walk into the pawn shop with you. There are many stories to be found in a pawn shop and you have given the reader a chance to be part of this masterfully written tale. This was a pleasure to read and I thank you for posting it..... Robert
Mc Mills-Cooper Avatar
August 10, 2013 at 3:02 PM
A very nice story you weaved here Heather...never thought about finding a beautiful story in a pawn shop of all places! Good Job!!! MC
Martin Avatar
July 25, 2013 at 2:13 AM
This is very emotional, and I love the story. Very well crafted.
De Burca Avatar
July 9, 2013 at 9:31 AM
Congrats on your winning poem.Beautiful.
Gildersleeve Avatar
July 9, 2013 at 6:39 AM
Heather, a heartfelt poem. It flowed like music to my ears. Congratulations on your fabulous win. Warm Smiles, Connie
A  Avatar
July 9, 2013 at 12:47 AM
ha I love it .... congrats all the way :-) ~SKAT~
Johnson Avatar
July 8, 2013 at 10:21 PM
Very nice Heather. Congratulations. Love, Joyce
Gorelick Avatar
July 8, 2013 at 7:09 PM
What a nice story! congrats on your win. BG
Pettit Avatar
July 8, 2013 at 3:53 PM
Congratulations on your win. Nice one, Heather!
A   Avatar
July 8, 2013 at 3:10 PM
a might fun theme... congratulations in the pawn shop contest...xox~ LINDA
Guzzi Avatar
July 8, 2013 at 2:45 PM
Beautiful story full of emotion, Congrad's on your win. Light & Love
Lamoureux Avatar
July 8, 2013 at 8:40 AM
This is so beautiful, congratulations Heather.
Dietrich Avatar
July 2, 2013 at 11:30 PM
aha, you got rhyming couplets down to her line limit, way to go because this is an awesome story you have told. I just feel such magic in your poetry. So glad I decided tonight to catch up on some of your posts I had not yet seen this week. If this were my contest, I'd have this one in the top three.
Macfarlane Avatar
June 25, 2013 at 11:49 AM
Heather you poetic story captured me from start to finish...beautiful and touching! Hugs
Posey Avatar
June 25, 2013 at 10:07 AM
You had me with only the threat of rain... This is the epitome of all that poetry is about. I felt every emotion and was breathless at the end. And thanking the rain was the cherry on top of this delicious read. You nailed it, girl. THIS IS A WINNER!!!.... Jake
Jmariah Avatar
June 24, 2013 at 5:04 AM
Beautiful. You are an artist. I love the long lines; I think they helped to draw me into the moments you painted upon the page.
Richards Avatar
June 21, 2013 at 4:39 PM
I loved the way you've shared this story........I can see it all........and feel the memory that it brings you .....such a beautiful story, Heather! Loved it!
May Avatar
June 20, 2013 at 3:08 PM
beautiful piece Heather....I enjoyed the read..
Tacito Avatar
June 17, 2013 at 2:53 PM
Mmmm, nothing wrong with a little rain. Especially when the heart needs to be soothed. This was very deep.
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