Reminders of the Past

By Elton Camp Five generations of stuff can be found Yet, in clutter the house isn’t drowned I try to be selective in the items I retain Only if of family value will they remain The oldest, by far, is a sculpted clay vase Its origin in the 1800s I am able to trace It belonged to a lady many greats ago Her name is just about all that I know It’s a true antique, but of little worth I recall seeing it ever since my birth My mother remembers it just the same To want to keep it, who can blame To be candid, it is as ugly as can be But it still means a whole lot to me When I see it, a connection I feel It makes my ancestors seem real The porcelain dog has a cracked ear The damage was done by me, I fear At three years old I made the crack My grandmother kindly glued it back The elegant bed on which I sleep Is an actually useful item I keep It was always reserved for a guest And with a great many was blest It’s no place where Washington slept Only regular people has it ever kept None of the names historians know I recall hearing their stories though Grandfather clock’s from modern times But four times an hour, I enjoy its chimes My father got it when he was an old man “I always wanted one and so now I can.” The living room holds a Victorian chair After my parents died, I placed it there But just for looks, it’s sure no place to sit Because it’s hard, not comfortable a bit Writing this poem brings tears to my eyes It is just amazing just how fast time flies All around I see treasures from the past Favorite things I’m glad I’ve amassed