Ancient artifacts warehoused,
dilapidated memories of yore,
unsealed time capsules scattered,
as cardboard and tape give way.

Dusty tchotchke avalanches,
spill remembrances haphazard,
photos curl as chemicals expire,
recollected thoughts stored in pencil.

Edges of old diaries eaten,
rodents and roaches survive,
on forgotten verse and rhyme,
and feelings of love and loss.

Pages scatter like leaves
blown about by the wind,
as it passes through gaps
in roofs and plaster and lath.

Needed no more, exhaust rises,
excavation equipment and bulldozers,
push it all in a hole, under urban renewal.
sealing it forgotten, in a concrete topped grave.