Belongings

Shadowed in the silent room, the daylight's nearly gone
Dusk climbs in through window glass, with one last ray of sun
I start the task, climb on a chair, reach up to shelves so high
to mother's boxes neatly stacked, and dust gets in my eyes

I take one down, to look inside and sit upon a chair
I find some musty linens, laces needing some repair
Discovering old photographs, the year was '42
Her face was smooth as porcelain, unblemished, young and new

Old documents and letters, a history unveiled
Her letters, torn and yellowed, such stories they would tell
The next box held small china cups, so lovingly embellished
And then I found a book of verse, inscribed with poems she relished

Some dresses stained and wrinkled, their fabric thin and tattered
Were once a thing of beauty, as if they really mattered
Her jewelry, gold and silver, some lovely rings and brooches
A warm sensation circles me, her presence now approaches

I sense a change come over me, and fleeting leave of gloom
The darkness of the evening lifts, as sunlight fills the room
She wraps her warmth around me, her fragrance in the air
My loneliness is free to go, I know that she is there

Among these things, I find the last, the smallest box of all
Inside it are the baby clothes, I wore when I was small
A letter there to tell me that she knows the tears I've cried
Her words of love that never died, they fill me up inside

These treasures speak her words to me, and now that I am grown
She wants to tell her story, those parts I've never known
I've heard her voice, while sitting here, among her china flowers
I"ve found such peace, she's next to me, to spend these quiet hours


____________________________________________________________
Written 6/8/2008
Submitted to Contest:  "Old Jewelry or Just Old Things or Old, 
Old Poems/Poetry Contest "
Sponsor: Broken Wings
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

123
Schneiter Avatar
January 12, 2020 at 6:21 PM
Certifiably lovely with perfect flow, rich imagery, and sweet nostalgia. I love every line.
Roper Avatar
November 7, 2016 at 9:05 PM
Beautiful written poem, Carrie, congratulations on your win Hugs Eve
La France Avatar
November 7, 2016 at 5:49 PM
Carrie, congratulations on your win in my contest with this wonderfully penned poem ~
Cheema Avatar
November 7, 2016 at 3:50 AM
Carrie, your mother's box is so intriguing, and even more fascinting is your presentation of it! Congrats on your fine win!
Allison Avatar
November 6, 2016 at 6:09 PM
Dropping back with my congrats Carrie its lovely to read this again:-) hugs Jan xx
Onclaud Avatar
November 6, 2016 at 10:01 AM
carrie, wow... i feel with you; so nostalgic... congrats on your fine award..huggs
Tadros Avatar
May 27, 2015 at 7:33 AM
really touching..
Films Avatar
May 18, 2015 at 1:50 AM
I really like this one :) Thank you
Jones Avatar
April 29, 2015 at 5:59 AM
It's not so long ago that I went through the same process with my mother's things. It can be heart rending. You've captured the moment well.
A  Avatar
February 1, 2015 at 1:46 PM
CARRIE:) A lovely and beautiful win *Hugs* SKAT
Relish Avatar
January 25, 2015 at 7:01 AM
Congratulations on your win carrie
Mehta Avatar
January 24, 2015 at 9:04 PM
Congrats on the win, carrie
Allison Avatar
January 24, 2015 at 6:39 PM
Such a toughing write Carrie - many congrats on your win a 7 from me:-) Hugs jan xx
Deschler Avatar
January 24, 2015 at 6:35 PM
When our belongings were cherished by someone we hold dear, they become more than just material things... I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful, heartfelt piece. Congrats on the win, Carrie!
Haight Avatar
January 24, 2015 at 6:22 PM
I love your beautifully-written poem, Carrie. Your words brought back so many emotions to me...Congratulations on your nice win. Hugs, Sandra
A   Avatar
July 7, 2013 at 11:22 AM
Congratulations, with your winning poem .... xox~ PD
Anglesey Avatar
July 1, 2013 at 6:34 PM
Carrie, This is one of the most touching poems I have ever read. Your rhyme so precise with each captivating sentence one after the other.. I felt such a calm and peacefulness surrounding me through your words. Congrats on your win in the contest :)
Arowolo Avatar
June 30, 2013 at 4:33 PM
Wonderful and lovely piece,Carrie...nice write...Congrats on your superb win...
Posey Avatar
June 30, 2013 at 11:47 AM
I've come to tell you, Carrie, dear -- of a time when I felt my mother near. -- She told me of such wondrous places -- filled with so many happy faces -- And as I looked from one face to another -- I recognized your loving mother..... Carrie, you are special and this poem of yours says volumes about you.... Nothing more to say.... Just Congratulations..... Jake
A  Avatar
June 29, 2013 at 3:49 PM
Carrie, :-) Congratulations in the Rhyming contest. I'm enjoying all the winners & poems that spoke to me in their own way. enjoy my blog if you like, peace and love. <3<3<3 ~SKAT~
Wesley Avatar
January 2, 2013 at 3:29 PM
What a treasure to discover and your telling of the story was wonderful. The past sometimes is willing to share its secrets.
A   Avatar
May 21, 2012 at 4:08 PM
Carrie, another wonderful win, I'm liking the rhyming game Joyce cooked up herself! Congratulations with your awesome poem, take care :-) * PD
Johnson Avatar
May 19, 2012 at 9:36 AM
Happy that you were one of my winners. I loved this poem. Thank you for entering. Love, Joyce
Taylor Avatar
May 19, 2012 at 7:55 AM
Congrats on your well deserved 1st place, Carrie. Beautiful piece. Thoroughly enjoyed. Great job. Nice going, my friend. Kudos. luv and hugs, Ralph
Brown Avatar
May 19, 2012 at 6:31 AM
Congratulations on your top spot win in Joyce's "Rhyming Game" contest Carrie. Love, Carol
123
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace