Kate

Kate She moved slowly in the cane-backed rocker Too and fro in the Summer heat St Louis was unforgiving Was there no escape? She paused and walked to the bureau Running her hand across the smooth worn oak Opening the topmost drawer She reached far back. The small bundle in tissue Tied with a ribbon Called out to her She carefully removed it in the fading light. Untying the ribbon, She laid it aside The paper creases retained the package’s shape But were soon unfolded to reveal A single pair of black silk stockings. Lifting them in her left hand She caressed them with her fingers But the barbs of age and hard life Caught the fine silk. Turning her hand She continued to stroke The stockings with the back Of her hand. Raising them to her cheek She embraced the treasure Moving it slowly as a lover’s kiss Gently, softly. The faint scent Of Magnolias Teased her nose And she was transported… Kate Coplin (Based on Coplin's short story, A Pair of Silk Stockings, which reveals much about her life.)