In the stillness of the morning
When chores are done
And children begin their day away
I try to test that old saying about loss
That material things are irrelevant
And it’s the memories that count
So when it’s quiet and the pain creeps in
I try to think of you
Fond memories of summer beach trips
Football stadiums and trivial pursuit
Those daily phone calls and silly emails
Surprise gifts for littles kiddos
But memories fade
and I fear the day
My children forget all the loving gestures
The sound of your voice
And your ability to inspire
I’m not supposed to be stuck on things
Those things that were attached to you
But that’s the trouble of things, you see
They’re tangible and true
A favorite sweater
hung on an empty office chair
That unfinished book on your nightstand
so new it has no wear
I see these things
I touch these things
They were what made you, you
The trouble with things is that they make me feel
If for just a moment, nothing’s changed
And you’re still here
That yummy recipe taped to the fridge
A perfume bottle set by the sink
Your shoes next to the door
A treasured knick-knack
The favorite chair
And your framed beloved pet
These things I know
They are not you
But I cannot bare to toss
The trouble with things
Is I can see and feel them
But they’re all we have left of you.
Dedicated to my Mother-n-law 1/26/1947-2/11/2019
-MS