Simply An Old Tin

(reworking of an archived poem) Beth age 7

With slim arms outstretched

and within the confines 

of her small cupped palms,

she holds both halves

of an egg shaped tin

contents long gone.

Paisley prettifies the

exterior,

traces of peppered rust line

the interior rim.

She presses both sides together,

smiling at her success.

Her bright eyes shut tight

blocking out the light,

as if this would magic up 

what has been lost.

A momentary silence and then

"This was my Dad's tin,

did he keep his toffees in it?"

No need to wait for a response,

as blue sleeves of her school 

pullover are seized and set to work,

to buff up the faded colours,

to restore the shine,

and bring him back to life.

 

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

This one comes across as a memoir, a recalled moment from a child's life. The child has discovered a tin container now growing rusty with age. She asks if it was a possession of her father. We are told the contents are lost, probably symbolic of the father, who is evidently no longer in the picture. The little girl sets to work buffing the tin with her sleeves, "to restore the shine,/ and bring him back to life." This tells us the father is deceased, and the girl is speaking to his widow, her mother. This is a moving work, and while we feel a certain sadness, we also feel the girl has emerged from the loss undamaged and will face the future whole. Well done. Life can teach us lessons even in seemingly small events.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John for your thoughtful review. Most appreciated.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you really capture this moment so well...i felt i was there in the kitchen, observing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. Pleased my words drew you in.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Very lovely poem. I've kept my brother's ring and I still have it. I don't wear it though but I keep it in a drawer.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks JungLee, I appreciate your review. All good wishes. Sorry about your brother.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

No it's fine, no need to say sorry.