My Treasure Chest

I have a box upon my shelf Containing precious reminders, of life's wealth My very first bible, I got when I was nine The very first book, that was just mine! A plastic cameo, my mother had And wore in 1958, when she married my dad A purple painted rock, made in pre-school By one of my brothers, because he thought it was cool A poem my sister wrote about petting a mouse And memories of growing up in our drafty old house Coins from foreign places, gifts from "adopted" children, who called me mom While attending the college where I worked, now they've graduated and gone A blue visitor's pass, from the ICU I wore everyday, while God healed my mom, thank YOU... Stained and crumpled letters, from war zones, afar Words written there, the most treasured so far Words, longing for home and things to change And for another chance, to help rearrange To convince people to throw out things that mean the least Making room inside their chest, their hearts, for peace Now, I have a few things that really shine And enjoy the bling, wear them from time to time But they just hang around, here and there If I didn't have them, I wouldn't care Before this life of mine is through I may add to my box another thing or two But, these treasures I keep upon my shelf No one would want, except myself.... Donna Jones 8-20-2013