Keepsake

A second write about the subject matter, originally penned ten years ago

when the lid opens
old hinges creak and groan
as contents of mum's heavy
wooden tea chest are left
to breathe in fragrance of
freesia wafting through the
sitting room

pass me downs
photographs documents
dog-eared certificates
discoloured creased with age
spanning a century of dead
relatives

I search
disturbing dust motes
for something special of
sentimental worth specific
to the date of my birth
buried in this musty treasure
trove

my father's wallet
well worn brown leather
ingrained with life last seen
three decades ago containing
a wrist band placed on
tiny me

on the day I was born
he was twenty one a soldier
he carried that band
till the day of his demise
my eyes scan in hope
for a stroke of good fortune

for he loved me
without conditions
and that simple pink tag
bearing the name he chose for me
is without doubt completely
priceless

Reviews

[Dave]

Beyond words are the wonderful memories we have of times past. Surely, you loved your father dearly and it's so obvious that he reciprocated that love. What a beautiful tribute and remembrance. This was a wonderful share , Chris.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Your review Dave is thoughtful and very much appreciated. Many tha js

Chris

[DIVYA]

Everything in that treasure trove was of such importance at one time. Those photographs, documents, certificates were people who once lived and walked just like us. One day, it will be our belongings sifted through. Such is life and time never stops rolling....
That priceless wristband will always be such a reminder of his love. You found what you were looking for and the search was so worth it.
I always marvel at your ability to express emotions powerfully in simply stated facts. I felt I was there, looking into that chest with you.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you always for your encouragement DIVYA. You leave such thoughtful responses. You are very much appreciated.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

It's odd, valuing objective things subjectively differently. Usually it's temperature, always its temperature. Chris, I'm going crazy and it's awesome. That's the only time it's not temperature Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I have to say that my crazy days are far from awesome
read moreThank you for sharing your thoughts. I have to say that my crazy days are far from awesome

Chris

[Davidgeo]

Awesome at the time is not the same thing as awesome in the past or future

[Quietstorm]

Beautiful memories displayed very well. Thanks for sharing

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for a very encouraging review. Pleased you stopped by today.

Chris

[Quietstorm]

It was a delight to read💜

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Chris. I loved the poem again. I have kept keepsakes from people I loved and loved me. They become more valuable with time and distance. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote for a second visit. So appreciate that. You are so right about how those keepsakes become more precious with time. A little left of those we gave loved. All good wishes.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome. I have many things from the people I have lost. I wonder Chris. Will my children appreciate?

[softlyfall]

The structure is so in tune with the theme... sentences abstracted to lines, life abstracted to keepsakes in an old box.
I could almost see the memories rush out when the lid was opened.
You speak of your father's love for you here but I hear, echoing loudly, your love for him.
Very tender, moving... also somewhat delicate, like a love note written on rice paper...as though I must not speak too loudly or I will disturb the perfect memory.

[Chris Shaw]

A perfectly lovely and thoughtful review you have left me here. I thank you for stopping by. Pleased to meet you on WC. All good wishes.

Chris

[Red Brick Keshner]

Oh Chris, that just brought me home to an oft forgotten state of self. I used to pull out my blue tag and even a lock of baby hair and the stub of the first bit of umbilical chord after it finally separated and fell off. Once, even the first pair of booties that were also documented from an early sepia toned photograph, they didn't have colour prints back then LOL. The only claim that I was able to set foot in a place and time that can be considered ancient. Thanks for taking us on conjoined journeys with this definite keepsake of a poem. /Freds.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Freds for a lovely review. That stub of umbilical cord has to be a first. Wasn't sure how I felt about that :)) The lock of hair and bootees more to my taste. Sentimental fools eh?

Chris

[Red Brick Keshner]

I know. It was almost creepy when I first discovered it at 11. My mum could be a bit over sentimental though. It was all vacuum sealed and labelled. LOL.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased it was nicely packed and labelled. Just reminded me, I have baby teeth somewhere, but can't remember which one they belong too :)

[Red Brick Keshner]

Yes, and milk teeth as we term it in the family. Not so much now as we all refer to them as baby teeth these days. They are collected in tiny little vials with stoppers.

[JD Major]

a beautiful bittersweet read,
Thanks,
JD

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks JD for your thoughts and the visit. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Stuart Munro]

I’ve got a Black plastic Trunk ,with all my memories in , I really like your poem it’s sentimental
With a sad Loss

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stuart. Pleased you enjoyed the read. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Soren]

Chris here memories are so wonderfully represented in picturebook style. It seems that the metaphor goes much deeper in that we often search our fading memories stimulated by images and with luck find the ones we are looking for. The end is particularly touching,

[Chris Shaw]

Your review Soren is thoughtful and most welcome. Thank you so much for stopping by. All the best.read moreYour review Soren is thoughtful and most welcome. Thank you so much for stopping by. All the best.

Chris

[Kim S.]

What a wonderful tribute and memory you have.
Wonderful write Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your supportive review. Have a happy Friday.

Chris